Advice for Newbie...2 days post-op

Hi all! My name is Lori and I am new to the forum. I had RNY on Monday (7/28). I am blessed that I have not had any nausea and pain has been tolerable as long as I'm sitting or lying down. My upper incisions are extremely painful when I stand. I think it is because they are on a roll and when I stand the belly hangs down and is pulling in those incisions. Did anyone have a similar experience? I want to get up and walk around more but it hurts so much when I'm standing. How long before the initial surgery pain starts to ease? 

I had an incision that pulled on the right side. It was uncomfortable. As it healed it got better and I got my staples out at my 1 week follow up. After that things felt better pretty quickly for me.  Hang in there!

Did your surgeon provide you with an elastic wrap for your abdomen?  Mine was a great comfort for the first week or so.

No I do not have an elastic wrap. Sounds fabulous though. I think having something around my midsection that gently keeps my belly stable would help. Kind of like a belly bra. I have an old stretched out pair of spanx...I wonder how that would work if I cut the legs out? 

Hi Lori,

I had RNY July 21 and out of everything.... my incisions are the worst.  I too feel them pulling when I stand (damn gravity).  It has gotten better.... day by day.  

Just a thought....I sneezed yesterday and thought I was going to die.  I had intense pain and saw stars.  I still feel like I pulled muscles in my belly.  

Take it one day at a time - it gets better!

Good luck!

Thanks Dawn! Am going to take it slow and easy. I didn't expect the incisions to hurt so much. I had my gall bladder removed last month and incisions didn't bother me at all. Guess I should be happy that I am not having probs with nausea and vomiting. Would imagine throwing up would b as painful as a sneeze. Ouch.

Hold a small pillow against your incision when you get up and walk.  Or ask your surgeon about an abdominal binder - it's sort of like a big ace bandage that would support the area.  Also make sure you take your pain meds as needed.

I think my pain was a lot better after the first week but it probably took two weeks to be totally pain-free for me.