Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Ladies! Pain Levels post-op



Recommended Posts

I had an emergency cesarean section 2 years ago... It was an awful way to birth but worth the outcome. Come to think of it I would rather vaginally birth 100 baby than have a cesarean section again. Anyway, my question is, have any other ladies that have had VSG and a cesarean share about pain levels. I'm guessing the cesarean is the more painful of the two. Thoughts? Input?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Pain for VSG is pretty minimal. You may have a bit of soreness in your abs and some pain around your incisions, but it is nothing compared to the pain of other injuries and surgeries I've had. I did have internal discomfort (not pain) when swallowing even the tiniest sip in the early days, due to swelling in my stomach and esophagus and some actual pain when overeating the first few times until I learned not to do that. Honestly though, as far as surgeries go, unless you have complications, this is pretty painless.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There is some discomfort with the VSG, and I took hydrocodone for a couple of days and slept in my lift recliner to avoid pulling on my belly muscles for a few days. Compared to two c-sections, gallbladder surgery (back when they still cut you half in two), appendectomy, knee replacements, etc - a total of twelve other operations) the VSG was the easiest recovery of all.

The worst part of my VSG was the pre-op liquid diet. It was not physically painful, but the psychological mess of breaking eating habits and finding new ways to sooth the hungry monster while still having a full-sized stretched out stomach - that was the worst part for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Prior to this surgery I'd had my gall bladder out (regular surgery, not laproscopic) and this wasn't nearly as painful as that was. I had discomfort when I first woke up but it eased pretty quickly. That night in my sleep I rolled over on my left side for a hot second and ouch that hurt but as soon as I rolled back it was fine. I took a total of 3 pain pills after surgery so my pain was minimal.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a different experience post-op than the previous posters. Perhaps it was because he repaired a large hiatal hernia he discovered while doing my VSG, but without the pain meds, my pain was very similar to my c-section pain. Be sure to take your doses of pain meds as prescribed at least the first 2 days after surgery or you will be in a world of hurt! My DF thought the dose was 2 tsp. Every 6 hours.. Well it was 2-4 TBSP every 6 hours. The pain was excruciating and brought me right back to post-op c-section.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Pain was minimal for me. It felt like I had done 100 sit ups the day before and my abs were sore. I didn't require any additional pain medicine once I woke up in recovery and thankfully had no issues with gas or cramping.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a different experience post-op than the previous posters. Perhaps it was because he repaired a large hiatal hernia he discovered while doing my VSG, but without the pain meds, my pain was very similar to my c-section pain. Be sure to take your doses of pain meds as prescribed at least the first 2 days after surgery or you will be in a world of hurt! My DF thought the dose was 2 tsp. Every 6 hours.. Well it was 2-4 TBSP every 6 hours. The pain was excruciating and brought me right back to post-op c-section.

I've heard similar accounts from others who have had hernia repair at the same time, so I think your pain was much more a result of that and not the VSG procedure.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My pain was mostly gas pain in my chest and back. The incisions were a little sore, but nothing bad. The pain meds made me sick so I didn't take anything after the hospital and was fine. I agree with the previous posts, this was a breeze compared to gallbladder surgery!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Over the years I have had two c-sections, a hysterectomy and VSG. The VSG was by far the least amount of discomfort! Pain meds and gas meds help ease any discomfort but no severe pain or long recovery involved like the c-sections. At least this was my experience...good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The GAS pain is the worst part. GAS is in all caps because it IS painful and all over; shoulders, neck, chest...everywhere!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nothing like my c section. I had some gas discomfort that gas x took care of and after my first day back to work (5 days post op) I had muscle soreness but tylenol took care of that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 3 days post op the hardest part for me is the gas pains. Also it is really strange feeling every sip you drink run its course. Taking it one day at a time hoping tomorrow will be better than today.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had no pain only two pain pills...feels like your stomach muscles have been punched a few times is all.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was one of the lucky ones who didn't have any gas pain. I did have abdominal pain. I am a wimp and took it very easy for three weeks,

Slept in a chair for two weeks and took every last drop of my pain meds. That being said, it was worth every second and the pain was not debilitating. I walked a ton, starting with waking from the recovery room stretcher into my room.

Good luck!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my sleeve 5 days ago. I gave, also, had 2 c-sections, gall bladder surgery, and a total hysterectomy! Sure, I'm experiencing pain when I swallow meds or even just water! But my main pain is this awful headache! Because of all my previous abdominal surgeries, I kinda know how to maneuver myself in and out of bed or a chair, with the least amt of pain! But headaches are so foreign to me! Are any of you more recent sleeves having headaches?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×