It sounds like we had similar experiences. And you said you were a nurse, so you would know! I'm very soothed that you responded with your story though, I SO need to know of others" stories. It puts a 'family' spin on the experience. We have the same parents, the RNY. We had to stay in a hospital, we endured the pre-op together, now we're (and I'm talking about all of us) on the lifelong journey. I need bariatric brothers and sisters. We have support groups in the Western New York area that I'm looking into. Plus, I'm lucky enough to have bariatricpal! I hope you feel the unity too!
I don't understand the intensity of the pain on the left side. Mine gets bad and occassionally I'll take a breath and BAM, sharp pain! I also have a drainage bag sewn into my side, that's a whole 'nother demon. I'm sorry you're having troubles getting into bed, I try butt first but still end up stretching uncomfortably. This IS a low point, and some people have lower points than others, but we all hope it gets better. I'm so jealous of the people that seem to float through. Oh well.
rnwrny- please know I'm sending you positive energy, you will come out a winner! Peace...
My dr said the left side would hurt more because that's the side the put the stapler through. Yuck, fun visual. Keep taking slow deep breaths as you can, the pain will decrease and it helps prevent complications.