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This is very normal for abdominal laparoscopic surgery of all sorts and can last the rest of your life. This happens because there is a particular nerve that goes up your body from your diaphragm to your spine and the fibers of that nerve (which touches almost every organ) also pass through your shoulders ... and your stomach. When you eat, you apply outward pressure on the pouch which causes the band to apply inward pressure on certain nerve fibers, those same ones talked about earlier, and all of that pushes down a bit on the diaphragm, and all of that combined sends pain signals (referred pain) to your shoulders and back. Even for non lap band, nerves are damaged in the process of surgery (it isn't done delicately - watch a few videos, it's violent) and when someone eats or moves or breathes deeply, or bends funny or all sorts of things it can trigger that referred and displaced pain. Unfortunately there's nothing you can do about it. For lap band people, just try not to over eat to reduce the pressure.

I can't sleep I have surgery this morning at 7:30am. I am feeling excited and nervous all at the same time. Tonight I have reflected on my past and what I am about to do. After 13 years of fixing everyone else's problems and taking care of everyone else I am finally going to take care of me. My only child graduated this June from high school and will be leaving for college in August so that will leave me on my own to really take care of myself and also to find "me" again. I am excited for this new chapter in my life to begin. Good luck to my fellow bandsters who will be banded today along with me. Here's to a new beginning for all of us!!

1-2 lbs a week is a good loss goal. 6 weeks out - six HEALING weeks out and 16 lbs, that's huge. You probably do need to eat a bit more - what's your caloric intake currently? Have a goal of 6-8 lbs a month. Knowing that some weeks you'll lose more some less. You won't be disappointed. Expecting 10-20 lbs a month is a fool's game. While some people can and will do that, it's not safe or healthy.

Talk to another doctor.

I am eating 1/2 cup of everything, but I'm still on full liquid phase having been banded 6 days ago. It will be interesting to see what fills me up on mush foods, after fill, etc. I think the bottom line is that different things work for different people. No one should be preaching or judging here.....just sharing good positive information.

Most, but not all, bandsters go through "Bandster Hell". This is the period after surgery but before you reach your "sweet spot". You are obviously NOT anywhere near your sweet spot. I am sorry you are having such difficulty. How are you with carbs? Are they are part of your food plan or no? Sometimes eliminating most carbs from your diet can kick start weight loss. I have great difficultly eliminating carbs ... but some people have seen great results. I have actually seen great results when I cut my carbs ... but I also turn into an axe murderer and my family doesn't appreciate it when I do that. LOL I am keeping my fingers crossed that you don't have one of those doctors that is stingy with the fills ... it could take forever to get to your sweet spot if he is. But you will get there ... you might be my age when you get there but ... okay, only kidding. When you get closer, and finally to your sweet spot life will be much better. As for your disability ... may I ask how severe it is. I had back surgery in 2004 and cannot run or do exercise that is too strenuous. I have spinal stenosis (arthritis of the spine) and arthritis in my knees ... and a few other joints. That said I walk 3-4 miles every morning before work and 2-3 miles each day on the weekend. If you cannot walk, how about Water aerobics? Gotta get that body moving. Each of us is on a personal journey and no two are alike. What works for me may not work for you and vice versa. It is important for you to try different things to find what works best for you. Remember, even though our doctors have a plan for their patients ... we are not all the same, so their "cookie cutter" program may not work for every single patient. Get to know your body and how it reacts to different types of foods. And remember, too few calories can be as bad as too many. Be sure that you are getting that 1000-1200 calories. Be kind to yourself and patient. The man you are marrying obviously proposed to you at this weight ... he's not going to be dissappointed if you do not walk down the aisle wearing a size 2 Vera Wang gown. He is looking to see the woman that he loves and admires and that's you just as you are today. Hang in there. You are going to be fine. We are here to support you. Keep reading ... there's a well spring of information on this forum. Take what you can use and leave the rest behind (including my advice ). All the best to you on your journey. ~Fran

I was on 1/4 cup at a time for several weeks post-op.

I have to say I totally agree. This 1/2 cup business is nonsense. My nutrionist won't even talk about anything other than 1000-1200 calores per day. I have been continually loosing since pre-op by counting calories. Please people, use some common sense and realize our bodies need fuel to keep going. 1/2 cup may be fine RIGHT after surgery but 3 month or a yr. out it will cause malnutrition and Vitamin deficencies.

I am post op 1 year and 1 day. I could eat way more than 1/2 cup up until 2 months ago (4th fill - 5.6cc). Now I am lucky if I get 1 cup in at a meal (which is what my dr's recommendations are. ) 1/2 cup is not much food. All dr's have different guidelines. But until you are at proper restriction you are probably going to be able to (and want/need to) eat more than that. I was eating 1 1/2 - 2 cups of food until i reached my "sweet spot" Make good choices and you'll do fine. Make sure you are honest with your dr when you go for fills, let him know if you are hungry or eating more than he suggests. That will help him adjust your band properly. Good Luck To You!!!

Were all put on FLINTSTONE Vitamins WITH CHOLINE. I have had substitutes, that say their equal. But NO Way ! look up the choline, and see what your getting. Almost 5 yrs. on them, and be on them for ever. Their in the orange box. Get a coupon from the Website and try them. When I am Hungry, I take 4 of them out and chew them. It takes away the Hunger too.