fiona14

I wanted to ask you guys if the lack of restriction I still am experiencing is truly normal, like my surgeon keeps telling, or if something might be wrong, such as a leak in the band? Or something else? You see,ever since my surgery on 12/9/10, I haven't hardly experienced the restriction you'resupposed to. After my last fill (about 3 weeks ago, it was my 5th) I did experience full restriction like I'd readabout, but it only lasted a few days. For instance, I couldn't just guzzlewater. And if I ate normal speed, food would back up in my esophagus, and Ineeded to slow down & wait between bites. And I was full with small amountsof food. But each day that lessened until 6 days after the fill, for lunch Iate a hamburger. Then a 2nd hamburger. Than a full piece of corn onthe cob. Then a big helping of coleslaw. I was quite full, but I shouldn't beable to eat nearly that much at one meal, should I? Month after month, I've asked my surgeon about the lack of restriction after the first few days andexpressed my increasing frustration, but he just keeps telling me it's normal. But by theend of March, I'd dropped 50 pounds and was so excited for my progress. Yetever since then I've fluctuated back up to only 40 pounds lost and back andforth. I see my surgeon tomorrow for my 6th fill, and I want to havesomething more to back me up than just what I've read leading me to believe Iwould have more restriction. It's been 8 ½ months already! If you could tell meyour experience, what you've been told or heard from other banders, that'd be abig help. And whether you've heard of a band leaking or what else could cause this lack of restriction. Also, if he still brushes me off, I'd like to look intoswitching surgeons at this point. Do they do that? For instance, if I called upa different LapBand surgeon now and asked to switch to him for the remainder ofmy fills and maintenance, is that common? Or might they refuse? I still havethis ongoing shoulder pain I've had since the surgery, and the latest MRIs showthe tubing is pressing up against my diaphragm and maybe referring the painto my shoulder, like I've read about on this forum, and I'd need further surgery. Though the surgeon still says he's never heard of this problem and not sure that's really the cause of the problem. Neither has the neurologist heard of it, though he says it's possible. But I'm not at all pleased withmy surgeon's plans for that – long story. And I can't begin to afford a surgeryto fix it. Yet I don't know if it would be considered a mistake where thesurgeon should fix me for free. And I'm not remotely assertive enough to demandhe do it for free. Thanks for any info you guys might be able to give me. Bonita

I had by LapBand on 12/9/2010, and the left shoulder pain has been the biggest problem by far! For the first couple of weeks it was excruciating, and I'd be in tears every single day. It has definitely calmed down, but it still bothers me most days. Sometimes, like today, it hurts so badly that I can't use my left arm. My surgeon was shocked I had this reaction and said he's never had any patient have this kind of pain (though after reading your comments on here, I find that hard to believe). He sent me to a neurologist who diagnosed me with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and prescribed physical therapy. I can't say that it's brought me any relief from the pain. Tonight I did some of the home exercises for it and the pain got way worse! If it turns out that it's actually the phrenic nerve impingement, I'm at a loss as to what to do about it. When it hurts so badly, I will do anything that might bring relief. I've tried the skin pain patches with no relief. Neither to ice packs or hot packs help. I try keeping my shoulderblades back & pecs stretched, and that doesn't help. I'd be delighted to hear any more suggestions. So thrilled to have found this community recently. I don't have to be alone in all this anymore! Thanks

First post on this site, so please pardon me for any faux-pas. I've got a question about this stuck thing. I'm not sure I've ever experienced it (yet), but I've only had the band since 12/9/10 and have only had 1 fill, as I've been sick since Jan 25 and unable to get to the doctor. Anyway, what I have experienced is that if I eat too much, I get pain in my stomach when I breathe. The shallower breaths I can take, the less it hurts. Eventually it goes away, but it can take hours. But that's not the same thing as being stuck, right? I figure it's pressure from too much food above the band and in the esophagus. But I'm very new to this and do a great deal of guessing. Thanks for any insight you guys can offer.