Hi, I was banded in 2003 and currently have all the saline removed from my band. I have been having episodes of severe abdominal pain for the past 1 1/2 years. I usually get an attack every 2-4 weeks, but when I get them the pain is so severe that I can barely move. The only things that provide any relief to me are lying on my right side in a fetal position and bending over if walking or sitting. If I try to lie on my left side or stand up completely -- the pain is excrutiating. The pain usually lasts for about 12 hrs -- and always EVENTUALLY goes away.
In addition, my lipase level has been mildly elevated for the past few years. I am a med tech in the lab -- so I frequently monitor my levels. I never had an elevated lipase until after my lapband surgery. Since then, it is almost always elevated - although not to a huge degree. (Our normal range goes up to 264 -- and my lipase usually runs between 300-475). I wouldn't think that it was significant except for the fact that I keep getting these horrible pains.
I am wondering if anyone else has had any similar experiences. I am getting very frustrated because my dr. can't seem to figure out what's wrong with me -- and always just goes back to --- "it must be that band -- I think that you have to get it out!" Has anyone heard of the band causing this sort of problem?? Is there anyway that the tubing from the port could be irratating my pancreas?? Has anyone heard of the band causing elevated lipase levels?
I am getting desperate for answers -- my pain seems to be getting worse with less time between episodes. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions I'd greatly appreciate your feedback!
Thanks, Beth
