Incision Site Pain

[mariemadeline 12]

I had my VSG surgery on Dec.20, 2011. I am now down 17 pounds since my surgery and I am very happy about that. What I am not happy with is the pain at the incision sites, especially the one next to where the drain thingie was. It hurts all the time especially in the transition between standing, sitting, and lying down. I called my doc about this and they told me it was normal. Does/did anyone else have this issue?

[fluffylibra30 323]

i just got out of hospital today, the pain at my drain thing is pretty bad. My doc told me it would hurt up to a few weeks out, but gradually hurt less every day.

[UXgrrl 29]

Seems like most people have one incision which gives them trouble for an extended period of time. I have one on the far side of my stomach which is slowly healing but keeps opening (I've had it looked at, the doc says just be patient), but there's another one closer to my midline that healed just fine on the outside, but I had pretty bad muscle pain for about three weeks. It would flare up again anytime I tried to do anything physical. I took it as a signal to take it easy a little longer.

[2bfit 62]

Just had my surgery on the 28th and I am having the same problem.

[New in 2012 14]

Hi there. My surgery was the 20th as well. Congrats on the great results!!

There is often inner muscular pain at one site because they have to add a stitch or two to the muscle inside near the site. It's usually the one close to the belly button and is often slightly larger than the others, and is the primary place through which the stomach is removed. And it does feel especially uncomfortable when transitioning from one position to another -- using those abs! Mine felt like stinging. This will pass!

Drains can also cause pain (my dr. doesn't use drains, so I didn't have that issue).

The main thing to watch for is fever. If you develop a fever, let your dr. know. That can be a sign of infection. But it sounds like what you are feeling is par for the course.

Good luck!

[june13sleever 223]

My pain lasted 5 to 6 weeks.

Some people seemed to have no pain... I couldn't get out of bed without feeling like my stomach was being pulled out of me. I can see what a Tummy Tuck is going to feel like. I won't be able to walk for a month!

It was intense pain for 5 weeks with every movement.

[JackieOMonroe 123]

Mine all hurt, but the worst was the largest one that they pulled my tummy through.

[mariemadeline 12]

I called the nurse again about the pain and she suggested getting one of the abdomen supports (http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/futuro-surgical-binder-and-abdomen-support/ID=prod4846-product). I have been using it since yesterday. It has made SUCH a huge difference. If you are having this pain, ask your doctor about getting one as well. I have not wanted any pain meds while using the brace.