I Wish Someone Had Told Me....

[circa 333]

I think that its important to remember that everyone is different. One person's pain is another person's uncomfortableness, or non-issue. I've never had a c-section. I've never had a baby. I can't compare. I can compare this to other surgeries in the body for myself - which is where I knew I would be for pain. I prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. On a scale of 1-10 for the worst pain I've ever been in for surgery, I would say it was a 2 or a 3. On a scale of 1-10 for the worst pain I've EVER been in overall it didn't even register on the scale. It was like a -5.

[Tana_Q 20]

I think that its important to remember that everyone is different. One person's pain is another person's uncomfortableness, or non-issue. I've never had a c-section. I've never had a baby. I can't compare. I can compare this to other surgeries in the body for myself - which is where I knew I would be for pain. I prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. On a scale of 1-10 for the worst pain I've ever been in for surgery, I would say it was a 2 or a 3. On a scale of 1-10 for the worst pain I've EVER been in overall it didn't even register on the scale. It was like a -5.

You are exactly right, pain is very subjective. However I've read many references to the Sleeve pain being much less than C section pain. Just the thought makes me feel better and hopefully it's true for me too!

[minaleigh 95]

When it comes to the pain of the surgery, it was more soreness around the incision area and the abdomen muscles than anything. I'm sure there's an explanation (I just don't know what it is) but for a week after the surgery, my abdomen felt like I just did1000 sit-ups or something. Made getting out of bed an experience! Lol.

Now what was painful for me was the gas that was stuck. It hurt to lie down, sit up, walk, etc. I admit to being a wuss when it comes to pain. I have broken my knee before, and that hurt a LOT worse than this surgery, though. I've never given birth, C-section or otherwise, so I can't compare the surgery to any other sort of stomach pain.

[Pookeyism 1,143]

Wow, you woke up with a tube down your throat??? ugh! I'd been fighting people and yanking it out...

[Kiki Von Moonshine 53]

Does everyone have to inject blood thinners into themselves after surgery? I can't even remove a splinter from my toe without it being a show.

[minaleigh 95]

Does everyone have to inject blood thinners into themselves after surgery? I can't even remove a splinter from my toe without it being a show.

I didn't have to inject anything after surgery. I've never had blood problems that would require blood thinners, though. I'd ask your surgeon. If you don't get clots or anything like that, I assume you don't need thinners. The only thing they had me do to help prevent clots was keep those hospital compression stockings on.

[300PoundsDown 101]

That is funny about getting cold. I can't believe that I get cold now too!! I have been hot for so long that I never thought I'd ever be cold. I have literally saved probably 200 dollars on my electric bill since this surgery. I had to keep my house so freezing cold that I was paying unbelievable amounts. Now I'm cold! I love it!

[blondeej 111]

I can't believe some people are even remotely trying to compare this surgery with a C-section! In a CS they cut through your MUSCLE WALL. Which is a lot of the post-op pain and discomfort.

When you have arthroscopic surgery it's nothing close or even comparable to that....

[Tana_Q 20]

I can't believe some people are even remotely trying to compare this surgery with a C-section! In a CS they cut through your MUSCLE WALL. Which is a lot of the post-op pain and discomfort.

When you have arthroscopic surgery it's nothing close or even comparable to that....

Well the stomach is a muscle too so I would suppose that some people might find it moderately painful. But of course the laparoscopic incisions are small so that is better.

[Bedhead 158]

I can't believe some people are even remotely trying to compare this surgery with a C-section! In a CS they cut through your MUSCLE WALL. Which is a lot of the post-op pain and discomfort.

When you have arthroscopic surgery it's nothing close or even comparable to that....

My OBGYN does not cut muscles at all, nor do most anymore. They separate the muscles on the midline and then just bring them back together when they're done. They only cut the skin and other tissues.

[Kiki Von Moonshine 53]

My c section didn't hurt. I do not know if it was my pain tolerance. After going through labor, which was the worst pain in my life, I think anything else was a breeze.

[Lexsan 104]

Love this forum very informative Thank you all I'm a future sleever

[AbacoRaveness 44]

I wish someone had told me that I wouldn't be able to sleep on my side for awhile.

I've ALWAYS slept on my side or at least fallen asleep that way. Tuesday will be three weeks post-op and I'm only just now starting to be able to sleep somewhat comfortably on my left side (if I'm careful and go slowly). I can lay on my right side for a few minutes, but its still painful.

I didn't really care what position I slept in as long as I was taking the percoset every night, but now that I'm off the pain meds I get sore laying on my back for too long. It'll be a relief when I can roll-over at will again.

[New Chapter 1]

Lots of great information on this forum. This does help me prepare for my surgery. Thank you all.

I have only read a few post about losing hair. Does everyone experience this or is this just like everything else, everyones body reacts differently. This is a big concern to me because I have very thin hair. Do you lose a lot of hair?

[Doreykn 113]

Wow! Sounds like I was a lucky one...No tube down my throat when I woke up & no drains! I did have a sore throat for about a week. But nothing I couldn't handle. I was off pain meds after a day being home. I just need to get my butt on my exercise bike more. Good Luck to all. I feel this was the best thing I have done for myself!