I had lap-band surgery four years ago(Sept. 10) and have been successful at losing 90+lbs. Now, I am hoping someone can help as I am very frustrated. About three months ago I started having pain in my left side abdomen. I also have pain (in the same area) when there is pressure on my port . About the same time, I started having major acid reflux. Thinking it was all connected, I went to my lap-band surgeons office and met with the PA. She gave me meds for the acid reflux and sent me home (did not remove any fill). Four weeks later, I was back in her office because I couldn't swallow anything. Prior to the acid reflux and this appointment, I hadn't been in their office since last October so I am confused why after almost nine months, I was now having acid reflux and not able to swallow anything. They emptied my band and while there I complained about the pain again. No answer! I have gone to my primary care doctor and complained about the pain and she has stated that because the lap-band PA was helping me she was leaving it in her hands. About five weeks ago, I went back to my lap-band PA to have fill put back in my band (no more acid reflux and swallowing fine). The next day, the pain in my stomach was in full force and I called the PA's office. They had me come in the next morning and ended up sending me for a CT scan thinking it was diverticulitis? About an hour after the CT, the PA called and said I had a cyst on my left kidney and maybe this was causing the pain, but since it wasn't lap-band related that I needed to go to my PCP and have a MRI. After my PCP talked to the radiologist, she called me to say that it wasn't a cyst but a mass on my kidney (I hate hearing mass as it sent me into a panic) and had the MRI scheduled very quickly. Turns out it was just scar tissue, and they don't think that it is the cause of my pain, but they don't know what it could be. My PCP suggested that I see a general surgeon who specializes in incisional hernia's even though it didn't show up in the MRI and she can't feel one, but she doesn't know what else to do. Yesterday, I went back to my Lap-band PA for another fill as I am getting very frustrated with not only the pain and no answers, but because she emptied my band, I am gaining weight. In talking with her and explaining what the PCP has said and telling her I am going to the general surgeon, she said she didn't think it was an incisional hernia as she couldn't feel one, but maybe the tubing is rubbing and irritating something in my stomach. This is the first answer that seem to make any sense since this all started.
Has anyone had a problem with the tubing causing pain? Any help, suggestions??
