lasvegas1989

Hi, I've never had pain in my left shoulder until I got the lap band surgery. I've had 2 small fills. I am maintaining my weight presently. I have an appointment for a 2nd fill in 2 weeks. I've told my doctor about the pain but he has no idea. His nurse did tell me that she's heard others say the same. If I have a meal or even maybe 4 cups of water; I'll get a sharp pain in my left shoulder. it's the "pain in my shoulder" that tells me to stop eating OR drinking. How can a lap band surgery have an effect on your shoulder??? I personally find it disturbing and very odd. Any takers???

Awesome, thanks 4 sharing!!! I'm truly grateful for positive stories.

One of the first things I've done for myself is get a good supportive sneaker. It really helps!

Well, I talked to my Doctor about how I joined a lap band forum and also did my own research because I needed answers to some questions... He did acknowledge the vagus nerve, left shoulder pain- "I was relieved that he did". I do definitely think this should be told to you and listed as a side effect- Hopefully soon it will be... for future banders! Overall though, I'm fine especially now that I'm extremely aware! I eat & drink cautiously now. The last thing I want is to do any type of damage to myself by my own accord. One day at a time!

I really appreciated everyone's input. I have to say, it would have been nice if I was told about the "Vagus Nerve" by my Doctor.... instead of having to find out elsewhere. it's been over 3 months now since my surgery and I still have it, so it just might be here to stay. I've definitely cut back on what I eat, I've lost 4 more pounds. I eat slower and chew really well. When I go for my 3rd fill in less than two weeks, I plan to bring "The Vagus Nerve" up to him and do my own research... I think he would have already known,.. makes me wonder ~ But either way, I'll share this with him, curious to see what he'll say.

Hey Girl, I feel very bad to hear that ure husband is non-supportive. I would feel bad 4 anyone who has anyone in their life that is non-supportive. After stating that, i can tell u that i am single and do not even have a support network. I'm doing this all on my own. in a sense, for me, it already crossed my mind that i would come across some people with that mentality of using the lap band as being lazy but it's soooo opposite! you really learn even more discipline. i eat slower, chew longer, take smaller bites ~ etc. if ure husband does not or cannot support you during ure journey, that's his deal; don't make it yours. I've been let down big time, believe me and u just can't make someone feel differently all the time; maybe sometimes but they have to have an open mind. hopefully in time he'll come around... who knows. BUT, either way, u need to focus on YOUR body and YOUR needs, issues, etc or u'll be dragged down and so miserable ... if he says something hurtful, ask him to please stop- maybe some education on the whole lap band subject might help him. But please try to pick yourself up. Their are so many people right here on this forum that care- Focus on your goals. Not everyone is going to "get it" and that's okay- Right now, what matters is that you get it- hopefully in time, he'll come around. hugs!

Hey, i live in Orlando, so i don't know wassup in Detroit & i'm not familiar with HAP insurance. I'll tell u what i do know- i had to see a Nutritionist twice, a Psychiatrist twice, a sleep study, and my lap band doctor every month to see where i stood. i first started off by attending a lap band seminar... which started my whole journey. i only had to lose like 8 pounds if that to get approved; along with the approval of the nutritionist, the psyc & sleep study; which i all passed. it's sorta almost like waiting a year just because of appointments alone really- i got approved once i finished these things... i've mentioned in my own topic about mystery left shoulder pain, turns out a lot of ppl get it after the surgery. it's weird but i've had no complications other than this (knock on wood). i had my surgery March 29th 2013. i healed up after surgery in less than a week. the gas pain was probably the worst of it honestly. after u heal, u r able 2 eat normal again, or howeva u ate before-... usually. I was able to eat normal again after a week. i got my 1st fill and felt nothing, got my 2nd fill and i feel something but just a little. I get my 3rd fill in two weeks and i have a feeling that will be the "one" for me. i'm already eating less. that was the hardest part for me. i use to eat once a day, a big meal and that would be it. NOW, i follow "the program" but i'm telling ya, without this band, i probably would not have the discipline to do so. SOooo, i eat a small meal like 3 times a day. i drink a lot of Water but NOT with my food....... don't do that ever. You'll be sick as a dog. Your new smaller pouch can only handle "small amounts" unless ure chugging down smoothies or icecream, if your gunna do that, forget it, you'll keep the weight. and clearly u have to consider everything. it's not easy but as they say; the lap band really IS a tool and i'm just now honestly getting a handle on it and it's pretty cool. i know when i weigh in, in 2 weeks that i'll have lost some more weight WITH THE HELP OF THE BAND... 4real. if u can lose weight on ure own; go 4 it. I used to be really fit until i was in an auto accident which hurt my lower back and i gained a lot of weight over a 3 year time period because i was unable to be active; this in turn made my lower back worse, etc etc- Now, i'm feeling better, my back is better (thank gawd) and i have this "tool" 2 help me shed the pounds i've basically lost control of. I feel more in control now and relieved to top it off. i don't know ure story but best wishes.

I meant getting my 3rd fill in two weeks.

wow, when i read about the pain in ure left shoulder, i found that really interesting. i can tell u that as i am typing this, i have "some small" pain in my left shoulder right now and i've had 2 cups of tea!... my surgery was March 29th 2013~ I've never had pain in my left shoulder before this surgery. NOW, when i eat normal or drink a lot of water for example; the pain really sharpens and uncomfortable. my doctor had no clue but his nurse said she heard it from other patients after the surgery. it's the weirdest thing and i have yet to get the REAL connection. But it's my shoulder that tells me to "stop". also, i've only had 2 small fills. right now i'm not losing weight, i'm maintaining- i have an appointment for a 3rd fill in 2 weeks. as far as the stretched pouch, i wish i could help, i'm still learning and educating myself as well. i can say that their is definitely way more to this than i was told. They do their best educating us but obviously their is a lot more to find out- Best of Luck Jeanne :-)

I can understand how u feel. i had my lap band surgery March 29th- i am having a hard time myself. i've had 2 fills so far and still no weight loss. i go for my 3rd in two weeks. no-one seems to tell us that this weight loss isn't going to happen for a lot of people right after the surgery... so it's frustrating. you just had your surgery, so don't beat yourself up-- i went thru that and it sucks. honestly, i'm still frustrated but i'm now hoping with my 3rd fill that i'll start 2 see results. Maybe once u get your first couple of fills, you'll "want" to change some old habits. Basically, that's how it worked for me. Just try your best, and don't expect to be perfect. It's guna take time- i feel ure pain, hang in there -