Originally Posted by cnvh

I'm hoping to have my surgery (lap RNY) in the next couple of months, and I'm thinking ahead re: pain management post-op. If possible, I would like to get through this without having to use narcotic pain meds (vicodin, oxycontin, etc.)-- I have fortunately never had a problem with them, but I work in the field of addictions and deal with pill-addicted clients on an almost-daily basis, and quite frankly, I just would rather not be on the stuff unless absolutely necessary. (My job has taken all the fun out of drinking too, LOL) Plus, I know that most narcotics have a habit of slowing down your digestive system, and since I know I'll need to, um, demonstrate that my bowels are working before discharge (toot-toot!), I'd rather not be taking anything that could slow down that process.

So my question is, is there anyone out there who found that they DIDN'T need pain meds post-op? My only experiences with major injuries and surgery were having my wisdom teeth out (was prescribed vicoprofen-- didn't need or use it, tossed it after a week), and when I broke my collarbone (was prescribed percoset-- managed without it, tossed it as well). I think I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but I've never had surgery like this before, either.

So, how painful IS gastric bypass??????