The block was put in by the anesthesiologist. My (not a doctor) understanding is that it is similar to an epidural, but they can target your surgical area. This allows them to use less local in the operation itself, and then it will mitigate your pain well past your actual procedure. When you have your pre-op surgical appointment, you could probably ask them/tell them you want to ask the anesthesiologist about getting one.

I am only 2 days post op, and still very bloated, swollen and bruised, though I am finally starting to pass some significant gas (sorry for the TMI). From what I understand I can hope to have a significant improvement from that in the next two days. For my bruising and swelling around my incision the surgeon said it would be a week.

Did anyone tell you to pack a heating pad? Heat has given me relief from the gas pain better than the drugs even. I am SO glad I have mine-and it's due to someone replying to my original post here.

The other thing I had seen in this thread that I planned for and am glad to have is because water is tasting really weird to me, which someone else said they experienced and suggested taking some of those water mix in things (like crystal light or vitamin water) and I am happy to have them.