Is this normal?

[DarleneRN 4]

I was banded 7 days ago. Although the pain has improved immensely, I still feel a' tightness' and 'presence' inside my abdomen. This is often slightly to moderately painful. It is there every time I reposition. It increases when I walk, and when I drink. The only time I don't feel the port (from the inside) is when I am lying still.

Am I always going to feel this? Is this normal?

[livingmydream 6]

I am just three weeks out and still feel a little "unusual" in the port area...like it still is uncomfortable to sleep on my left side. And, when I bend or twist a certain way it still feels weird. I am hoping this is just an adjustment time and that it will feel normal in time. Good luck with your journey.

[YngGram 73]

It might just be swelling inside. My doc removed a hernia that I didn't know I had, could be the same for you. Also I have been told that if the liver is really fatty it can cause the pain to last little longer because it has to be poked and moved around more. Good luck.,

[lea3277 6]

I am going on 4 weeks post op and I still feel really sore in my port side on the left side. I called the doctor just last week and they told me this was completely normal. I was told the port site could be very tender/sore for about 3 months. Also, when you repetively do somethig down the road that presses on your port, it will cause it to flare up again (sex, Water tubing, etc).

[katlack94 0]

I'm glad I just read this cuz I've been wondering the same stuff! I'm 10 days post op and woke up on my side kinda stomach this morning and have had mild pain all day!

[Pammie Sue 0]

Hi Darlene,

I was banded on 6/27/11 (I think the same day as you?). I have not taken any pain meds in about 3 days..not having trouble except that I get full fast -- it is hard to get 60-80 grams of Protein shakes..I usually can only manage 50 grams per day.

Keep in touch, it will be interesting to compare how we do! --Pam

[mandilou 1]

Darlene, I am right there with you. I go see my doc today for my one week post-op, and I plan on asking about it. However, I have to remind myself that out of all of the work done, stitching that port to the wall of stomach muscle is probably the most painful/in need of healing piece of the surgery (IMHO). My problem is that my doc placed my port lower down, and as a result when I stand/walk gravity pulls on my belly and I can really feel it stretch. Hurts. I'm hoping it feels better sooner than later, because I'm supposed to go back to work tomorrow.

Keep us posted!

[DarleneRN 4]

Thanks everyone,,,glad I'm not alone!

Mandilou,,I went back to work today too! The pain continues,,tolerable,,,haven't needed pain meds, but constantly present. I see what you said, makes sense regarding the sutures,,,I feel that pull and stretch too,,every time I reposition, I hope it's not forever. I don't have a f/u scheduled til 3 wks post surgery. Seems like awfully late,,I might call and get something sooner..

Pammie Sue, To get the Protein in, I start off every morning with a 25 g Protein Shake (GNC lean chocolate),,kinda gross, but I blend with ice to make a slushie. Then for lunch I blender a blueberry Greek Yogart with 8 oz skim milk, (20 g protein)..then in the afternoon, have 8 oz skim milk (9 g ). This pretty much gives me all my Protein so that I can treat my self for the evening (cream of Tomato or strained cream of chicken soup)..

Lea,,thanks,,maybe I'll stop panicking and obsessing over this..

[Vega77 0]

I was banded 7 days ago. Although the pain has improved immensely, I still feel a' tightness' and 'presence' inside my abdomen. This is often slightly to moderately painful. It is there every time I reposition. It increases when I walk, and when I drink. The only time I don't feel the port (from the inside) is when I am lying still.

Am I always going to feel this? Is this normal?

Congrats on your surgery.

No you will not always have this pain. I was banded on 6/17 and that tightness that you talk about goes away after about 2 weeks. Not to worry, i was freking out about that too. Eventually it does go away.

What helped me perhaps it is something you might want to consider is a tight shirt (girddle type) i got one at Walmart for $16. The spandix shirt is found in the bra section and it holds your tummy in place which makes that pain easier to handle.

Also remember that your port is looking for a permanent home.

hang in there it will get better.

[Tracy_1day 0]

My port site is very sore too. All my other incisions are fine and no pain, the port site hurts INSIDE. I don't like it lol. It hurts a lot when I sit and change positions.... hopefully it stops soon *sigh*