prefer not to answer

I have loved reading through this site and this is my first post. Ironcially, I was logging in today for the very same reason you posted, Julie (it is so comforting to know we're not alone)! I'm two weeks post op and about 4 or 5 days ago developed the same pain you describe - left side, wraps around to left side of back, etc. The pain is not as bad as the fear of not knowing what it is, so, again - so glad for this site. The first week post op, I had middle back pain and the doctor said that was probably due to having been in a certain position during surgery. He said your muscles can get stiff and sore. That pain went away. Now, I have this pain that is dull, but constant. I don't really notice a difference b/w standing and sitting. I'm sitting now and it hurts - I'll pay better attention to the pain while standing/walking when I head to the grocery store in a bit. Every now and then I'll get what I would describe as a spasm (same area) which lasts less than a second, but other than that, it's the dull constant ache on the left side. My (non-VSG) friends tell me I've pulled a muscle. I've pulled muscles in the past, and that is not how this feels. I was wonddring if it had anything to do with the kidney on my left side. It sort of remotely feels similar to the feeling you get when you wake up and your baldder's full, but the pain is not down by my bladder, and it's only on one side. I saw someone post that it might be gas related, and, while I'm not certain, it certainly feels more gas related than pulled muscle related. I'm going to try some over the counter gas relief and see if that helps. I apologize for the length of my post. Sadly, I'm one of those people who has hypocondriac tendencies and gets paranoid easily (a joy to my family)! So any other replies or posts on your progress would be greatly appreciated. Holly P.S. Can I count the weight I lost when I was on the pre-op liquid diet as part of my overall weight loss? If so, I'm 27 lbs down and happy!