Post-surgery pain -- Is it normal for EVERYTHING to ache?

LisaD1111 · May 24, 2009

I got my lap-band done yesterday and stay at the hospital overnight. This was my first surgery ever and I was totally not prepared for the pain. My body aches, especially joints. Is this normal for lap-band or any surgery? I know I'm supposed to walk a little throughout the day, so I've been doing that. I live by myself though, so I don't want to push it too much in case something happens! So, is this full-body pain normal or am I just a big baby? :wink2:

Sarah.R · May 24, 2009

Hey Lisa, for the day that I woke up after surgery and then the day after I was in some pretty sever pain and I've had 2 lung biopsies before, then the pain eased a bit and my joints where more sore because I was using my arms heaps to help myself up. Try using some hot packs to help elleviate the tension and yes walking definitely does help, but don't over do it too much. Just go at your own pace and if you feel like you over did it then just sit down until you get your energy back. Good luck

Donnainva · May 24, 2009

I felt beat up the day after I got home. I think it was partially being in a strange bed, and looking back I was tense the whole time I was in the hospital. So I think I was doing like an all-over body isotonic exercise the whole time I was in there!

you sound pretty normal to me:smile2:

LisaD1111 · May 24, 2009

Also, it kinda sucks that I worked so hard during pre-op liquid stage and lost 16 pounds, then I get home and I've gained 10 back! What's up with that? I'm still just doing Clear Liquids.< /p>

LisaLisainVa · May 24, 2009

I was banded on Thursday. The whole time I was in the hospital, I felt great! Just sore from the band area and incision site. When I got home? Not so much. I've been having a tough time with pain, also a hard time getting liquids in. Forced down 2 Protein shakes over the course of the day yesterday in very tiny sips. Took 2 hours to drink one. I am having chest pain when I swallow, and I think it's just because it's so tight in there from the swelling.

As for the 10 lb weight gain, I weighed myself when I got home too and it said I weighed 6 lbs more. I weighed again this morning, and it's back to what I weighed the morning of my surgery. I think it's Water weight from the IV... they really keep you "juiced up" in the hospital so you don't dehydrate. Give it a couple days and weigh again. You KNOW you didn't gain weight during that time... just let the swelling go down and you'll be fine!

Good luck!

itschoice · May 25, 2009

I didn't feel so hot after either. And the weight gain is because of the IV. It took about a week and the scale really started to move down. If you are worried check with you doc. It might help you rest easier.

burniegal · May 25, 2009

I was banded on Thursday. I had a lot of pain Thursday and Friday. After Friday, I've had sporadic times when I'm in pain but mostly in the incision areas, mainly the one where the port is.

I have had no problems getting down liquids all day long. I actually have not felt any hunger pains until today. I actually think my stomach grawled. However, I have not had a BM since Wednesday. Anyone else had this problem?

Ndelrooz · May 26, 2009

I got banded on Wednesday May20th, I have not had a BM except for sorry for the TMI ( Diarrhea probably 3 times). I am really glad I read this thread because I was thinking I wasn't normal because I have been in pain since I came home from the hospital. I have been pretty much miserable due to not being able to eat ( I have two room mates that have been eating lasagna,pasta, spaghetti, pizza) all the things I love!!! and I feel miserable because I haven't been feeling well at all. THE BEST ADVICE IS... USE THE PAIN MEDICATION THE DOCTOR GAVE YOU. Once I realized that taking the liquid pain medication could help me I've been feeling better... sooo until you see your doctor take pain meds and hang in there! I just wish I wasn't so hungry!!

jlapete · May 26, 2009

I was banded on Tuesday May 19th. It was my second attempt at the band(Two years ago I went in, but my liver was so enlarged I did not get banded at that time). So, after having the laproscopic surgery twice in two years, I can say. YES, everything hurts and it is totally normal.

Surgery can be a big shock to your body. Let yourself sleep as much as you need to, and walk when you can. Ice packs on your incisions help alot, and putting a heating pad across your shoulders also helps a good deal, especially with the gas pain.

I did not have a BM for three days after surgery and when it comes, it is LESS then pleasent, but normal. My doctor told me I could have yogurt after the third day, and I had one friday morning. The yogurt has active live cultures in it and should help with the BM. just check with your surgeon to see if they will allow you to have it.

I am still alittle sore, but my mobility is back and aside from the hunger, I feel good. I hope you get there too... good luck