wellhello

You can trust that you are getting the right advice here when everyone tells you the same thing! I'm now 4 weeks post-op and found that the pain was pretty much gone within 7 days of the op. One of the things I also found useful was a hot water bottle.

Well today is day 6 since my surgery and I am feeling so much better - I have also lost 9lbs . Much of the bloatedness has now gone and I am able to take fluids without difficulty - previously I wasn't able to take more than a few sips at a time, today I managed a whole cup of tea! I must say though that the pain in my left shoulder has not improved - whilst walking may help with the gas it seems to be a major irritant for my shoulder. I've tried the medications and the heat pack but neither of those provided any relief - laying in bed with the electric blanket has been by far the most effective. I've also noticed a pain around my left kidney - I wasn't sure whether this was also a side effect of the surgery or was possibly because I wasn't taking in enough fluids? Has anyone else had this?

It's comforting to know that this shoulder pain is not unusual. I had my surgery 5 days ago and I would have to say that the pain was at it's worst today - who knew breathing and walking at the same time could feel so bad! I've been taking soluble asprin however because it takes me about 1 1/2 hours to drink it doesn't seem to help too much. Anyway onwards and upwards, I've lost 3 kgs this week and that makes the pain all worth it.

Hi all, I was banded on 7th May and feeling so bloated and am afraid to have anything to drink even though I am thirsty. Is this normal? Also, is there a typical time that it takes for the pain on the left side to subside? Thanks.

Hi Tom and thanks for your advice. I've had a much better day - it's the first day that my whole abdomen hasn't felt swollen. For the past 4 days I've only been able to have small sips of drinks and consequently wasn't having enough fluids. Today I was able to have my first protein drink without too much trouble - a yummy recipe I found on this site - so I'm hoping the worst is behind me now. Thanks again.

Thank you for your response - am feeling much better today - I think part of my problem may have been from trying to sleep laying down. My tummy is much better today however I'm just wondering about BMs - I haven't been to the loo for a week but I don't really feel that I need to. At what point should I be concerned? Thanks.

Thank you all for your advice, it is most appreciated. I woke up this morning feeling incredibally uncomfortable however following a bag rub from hubby am feeling a bit better. I suspect that yesterday I may have overdone it with the exercise - I did an hour or of gardening which was probably not the smartest activity I could have chosen. Following the first few nights of sleeping sitting up I attempted to sleep in bed - I think this may have contributed to how uncomfortable I felt this morning. I've read that at some point it my be necessary to take some soluble fibre to keep things regular - how do you know when is the right time to do this? Thank you all for any advice