Question:
Which is worse --WLS or C-section

I've had a C-section & kidney stones, so I'm familiar with pain. Any opinions as to which post-op pain is worse--open rny, lay rny, or a c-section?    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 7, 2001)


November 7, 2001
Definetly C-Section is worst compared to lap I can't answer about open.
   — Laura R.

November 7, 2001
C-section definitely---its side effects last more than 20 years!
   — [Anonymous]

November 7, 2001
I had a C-Section 16 months ago, kidney stones 5 years ago. Post open RNY 10 weeks ago today. I'm going to have to go with the C-Section.....most definitely !
   — Kelly H.

November 7, 2001
Hi--without a doubt the open RNY is by far harder than a c-section. The pain is alot worse, and the recovery takes longer.. But with that I also have to say it was by far the BEST thing I have ever done for myself and after 7 weeks I feel better than I have in MANY years..I dont think there are any of us that cant take a few weeks of being uncomfortable to add many quality years to our lives..Good luck to you!!
   — Donna S.

November 7, 2001
I had my open 4 weeks ago, and a C-Section 22 months ago (and 6 years ago). First of all, I love my sons like crazy, but I'd have to say the C-sections were more difficult/painful for many reasons. The incision was, of course in a different place, but I found that place to be more tender and painful and harder to "protect". Maybe it was the drugs, but I didn't find the Open RNY that bad. I had some moments of intense pain sitting up, but that was to be expected. But another reason that the RNY was better for me -- and I'm not kidding here -- is that I could get some rest! It was much easier to cope with just having had a major surgery without the nurses constantly bringing you a baby and trying to nurse, etc. It was better because I got to focus on me, 100%. I feel like I healed much, much faster, too. It may simply be an emotional thing (combined with rest), but this hospital experience was much better than my maternity experiences.
   — Felissa L.

November 7, 2001
I had a c-section in May 1988 and open RNY in Aug 2001. I had the same "burning" sensation at the incision site for both when I got in and out of bed. However, I can honestly say (in my case) that one was any worse or better than the other. In fact I was feeling well enough to have gone back to work after 2 weeks. Of course I didn't. I took the entire summer off with the c-section and 3 weeks for the open RNY. Everyone's pain tolerance is different and thankfully mine is very high. Any way I look at it, they were both blessed events in my life. The difference is that the 2nd one is going to help me enjoy the 1st one longer. :)
   — Betty M.

November 7, 2001
WLS was WORSE by far, I had 2 C's and they did not even compare to the pain of WLS.
   — Christy J.

November 7, 2001
I had the Lap Rouxeny on 8/16/01 and a C-section in 3/98 and 6 months after my C I needed to have my gallbladder out. I would have to say the worst was the WLS...I feel this way because after a C-section you have this beautiful bundle of joy waiting for you and needing you to help with everything so you cant help but to get well quick. All surgery is awful...lets face it, but the end results of both have wonderful consquences!!!! I wish you all the best and lots of pain meds...*lol* You will do great!!!!!!! Good luck and happy losing!!! Melissa :)
   — Melissa S.

November 7, 2001
I had 4 c-sections within five years and before my rny i wondered the same thing. I feel the pain was about comparable, the rny had a bit more muscle pain but you are comparing a 4 hour surgery (the rny) to one that lasts an hour. Also with a c-section you have a baby to focus on after instead of the pain so that makes it a bit easier.
   — paula B.

November 7, 2001
I had my open RNY 8/27/01 and my c-section 6/27/90. You have the same painful "I've been beaten up inside"feeling. Only difference is two different areas of the abdomen. I had a spinal with my c-section and was put under with WLS. I have a VERY low pain tolerance and the spinal started to wear off during surgery. Now THAT hurts! I was at about the same weight for both. I was in pain longer with the C-section. I was in more intense pain with WLS. I'm speaking of right after surgery when you are still in recovery. The WLS was worse. The nurses kept bumping my bed and that would send me to the roof. But it only lasted for about a 1/2 hour. They start administering pain meds. as soon as you come too. After I got to my room I think that part of it was about the same as C-section. Hard to move out of bed without hurting. Hurts to stand straight up. Hurts to wipe after going to the bathroom. But, it is all pain that is just alittle past discomfort level. Nothing pain meds won't take away. Definately nothing to be afraid of. It's one week of hell for a life time of happiness.
   — K T.

November 9, 2001
For me, the C-section was worse. With the Section, they cut the muscle. With the Open Duodenal Switch, they cut *inbetween* the muscle and there was considerably less pain.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 20, 2002
Without a doubt, the RNY was much worse for me. I had an epidural with the c-section and didn't have hardly any pain after about a week or so. I am one week post-op now and pain pills are my best friend. I woke up in recovery in just about the worst pain I have ever had in my life. I went into this thinking that it would be just about the same as the c-section, but boy was I wrong!
   — Jackie M.

February 1, 2003
I think that the C-section is worse because every time you get settled and restful the baby cries and you have to get back up and take care of it, where as with RNY you need not be worried about that, you can just rest and take care of yourself (no diapers to change!) also the incision is much higher with different types of discomfort. Just make sure you Walk, Walk, Walk!!
   — Diane E.

October 12, 2004
CSECTION definitely.....
   — JenLynn




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