How bad is the pain from the surgery?

[Startingover! 0]

I'm hoping to be banded soon and was just curious as the how bad the pain from the surgery actually is? Also what type of medicine does the doctor usually prescribe to help with the pain? Also, can anyone feel the band inside of them? Or the port?

I was just kind of curious about these things! Thanks!

Amy

[JaxBandster 11]

I can't answer the question about pain personally as my surgery isn't until Thursday. But I can say from reading this and other forums is that everyone is different. Some people are up and around the next day and others don't feel up to it for about a week. I've heard that days 3 and 4 are usually the worst. I'm not going to tell you that you aren't going to hurt but from what I understand it is bearable and the pain medications and Gas-x strips help.

I think that most people get liquid Lortab for pain and sometimes also get meds for nausea if needed. You do not want to wretch right after getting the band.

You cannot feel the band inside of you but most people can find their port if they push on the spot where it is. You usually cannot see it at least at first. I have heard that some people can see it once they lose all the fat covering it up.

Hope this helps.

[Startingover! 0]

First, good luck on your surgery on Thursday! I can't wait until I have a surgery date!

I'm hoping that I will fall into the group of people that are up and running the day after and not in too much pain! I do worry though about being able to feel the band. I'm sure I won't be able to, but it makes you wonder.

I see you're in Jacksonville, I just moved from St. Mary's, GA to West Palm Beach last month. It's nice up there.

Well thanks for the info and good luck again. keep me posted and let me know how it goes!

[HarleyNana 10]

On a scale from 1-10, for me it was maybe a 3 :eek:, I dreaded being put to sleep worse than the surgery. I just had a TT and breast redu/lift, again, being put to sleep and the threat of blood clots scared me more than the surgery itself. Now on a scale of 1-10, definately, more than a 3.

I truly believe the key to recovery is keep moving. It may be uncomfortable, but it is so important for the blood to circulate.

Wish you the best.

[Startingover! 0]

Thanks so much...a 3 is bearable! Do you ever feel the port or any other part of the band inside of you?

[kaninag 35]

The worst part for me was waking up after surgery and having the VERY STRONG urge to vomit. I guess they gave me something cuz it went away and I went back to sleep. I slept most of the day of and day after. My doctor gave me Lortab elixer and it has pretty much kept me comfy. The most pain I have had is when I didnt take any meds all day on postop day2 and I really tried to move around alot...but took some meds and was all better. I am now postop day 4 and if my incisions didnt itch I would be doing good :eek:

[kbinaz 0]

Hi,

I was banded in October and for me the pain was not nearly as bad as I had feared. It was more discomfort (hard to lie down, hard to find a comfortable position to sleep in etc.) For pain I was prescribed liquid pain medication (like Vicodan) and I only took it for two days then switched to regular Tylenol. Yes, you can feel the port. (I'm sure how much you can feel it depends on your size) Especially at first, it had a lot of swelling around it which for me is just going away. I can't feel the band - there are no nerve endings on the outside of your stomach. You can feel it's presence when you eat but other than that you can't tell you have it. Hope this helps!

[NukeChik 1]

I guess it just depends on your health prior to the surgery, your pain tolerance and such, but I can give you my experience.

I woke up in the recovery room from surgery and the nurse asked me to rate my pain on a scale of 1-10, 1 being none 10 being worst. I said probably about a 4. That was the worst time was just waking up. I would say recovery was about a 2, unless I sneezed or had to use my stomach muscles.

The only pain I had was trying to get up from the couch and out of the bed. I usually had to have someone pull me up. My recovery was a breeze. I didn't have too much gas pain either.

Good luck with yours!

[zetajenn5 0]

Hi! The worst pain that I experienced was the gas, which was in my chest. But it was etter every day. I am 5 days post op now and my chest is much better. My incisions were more sore than painful. They also gave me liquid loritab. Walking around helps the gas go away so even though you may not want to, you need to walk around as much as possible!

[jenncore 0]

I had surgery on 12/26. I had very little pain and fortunately only one day of gas pains. My throat was the most uncomfortable after surgery because of the breathing tube. I had liquid pain meds which I took for the first few days after surgery more to prevent the pain than anything. I can't feel the band at all but once in awhile can feel my port.

Good Luck!

Jenn

[dianegoe 0]

Hi Amy,

I not only had lapband surgery, but also had my ovaries removed at the same time. I was in surgery at 7:30, awake at 10:30. Left the hospital at 11:30 and took a 20 min. walk with my husband when I came home. I was given liquid percocet for pain, but I never took anything. I used a heating pad and that felt good. It was never painful. More like too many situps. I had surgery on Tuesday and was back at work Friday. I am a Nurse Practitioner so I am on my feet, up and down, not a desk job. Don't be scared of the pain, it's really easy. For me the WORST part was 9 days of only Clear Liquids. I finally told my Dr. on day 9 I was not trying to loose 50# in one month, I needed food. So he let me have Soups and Protein Drinks, and it's been great ever since. Hope this helps. Diane

[Startingover! 0]

Hi Amy,

I not only had lapband surgery, but also had my ovaries removed at the same time. I was in surgery at 7:30, awake at 10:30. Left the hospital at 11:30 and took a 20 min. walk with my husband when I came home. I was given liquid percocet for pain, but I never took anything. I used a heating pad and that felt good. It was never painful. More like too many situps. I had surgery on Tuesday and was back at work Friday. I am a Nurse Practitioner so I am on my feet, up and down, not a desk job. Don't be scared of the pain, it's really easy. For me the WORST part was 9 days of only clear liquids. I finally told my Dr. on day 9 I was not trying to loose 50# in one month, I needed food. So he let me have Soups and Protein drinks, and it's been great ever since. Hope this helps. Diane

WOW! It sounds like you did very well! I hope I can do that well. From what I'm hearing the key seems to be to get up and get moving. I will remember that. They're also talking about fixing my hiatal hernia while they're in there. I think that's got me a little bit scared also. But I'm sure it will be fine. Good luck to you and thanks!

[JaxBandster 11]

WOW! It sounds like you did very well! I hope I can do that well. From what I'm hearing the key seems to be to get up and get moving. I will remember that. They're also talking about fixing my hiatal hernia while they're in there. I think that's got me a little bit scared also. But I'm sure it will be fine. Good luck to you and thanks!

They are repairing my hernia as well and for some reason that has me fretting too! LOL I don't know why! I'll be thankful not to have to take $180/month prescription meds anymore!:biggrin:

See, I'm already benefiting from surgery!

[Startingover! 0]

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one worried about the surgery!! So you and I are in the exact same boat regarding the hernia/lap band surgery. It's nice to know someone else out there will be going thru the same thing. Please keep me posted and good luck!

[LDNurse 0]

I guess I'm just a big wimp. I thought I had a high pain tolerence--I had a vaginal delivery with no pain meds, but I was not really prepared for surgery. It was a totally different kind of pain. I rated it 6-7 out of 10. But the pain medicine helped. My doctor keeps all his pts over night--and I was so glad. HELLLLLO MORPHINE!! I also had liquid lortab at home and only took it for 1 1/2 days. It is worth it!