Faberge

Hi All I had my band about 6 days ago (8th Dec) in London and happened to come across this site as I was searching for some answers as to why I'm experiencing terrible pain in my left shoulder 5 days post surgery. :biggrin: Amazing, as I never expected to find out so much (useful) information about the subject(s) - ie. both the banding and the discomfort I'm in. It’s been really helpful to know that I'm not imagining the pain and that I'm not alone with this problem. My surgeon is Professor Hakim of Harley Street and is a real gem – he discovered and repaired a large rolling hiatus hernia during my procedure (bless him). My own GP poo-poo'd the idea of surgery and kept suggesting the usual diets and groups to join etc and did everything in his power to dissuade me from undergoing surgery. I've tried and failed (I'm sure like many of you) with every diet under the sun and have become more miserable as my weight crept up over the years - increasing more so recently following the menopause. My husband has lost over 4 stone in the last year and is now getting extremely fit and I put myself under enormous pressure with every extra pound I put on. I don’t regret taking this decision - despite my current discomfort as I am hopeful this will pass as things settle down as my recovery progresses. It's funny but we all seem to be so secretive about this procedure we've undergone by keeping it from our friends and colleagues (only my husband and best friend know) and I think it’s a shame that we all appear to feel that we can't tell anyone about it but its great to share our thoughts and concerns with equally determined individuals. Nevertheless, I believe that it took a lot of courage and determination to go through with this to get to our common goal. I am still at the ‘liquids only’ stage and am already losing weight (10lbs so far) :biggrin: but of course, I’m aware that a lot of this is Water loss at this point but I’m feeling very positive. I have a wardrobe and storage with loads of clothes I could no longer get into but have been loathed to throw away as I always believed it would get back into them (which of course, I now am more convinced I will) and was determined to buy no increasingly larger sizes. Great to ‘virtually’ meet you all Faberge (Berkshire, UK)

Hi Elljames Well good for you but I'm sorry to hear you are still in pain. Yes, I did some research and also spoke to my surgeon - the problem results from air trapped under the diaphram (apparently its not uncommon). It does pass in time but it was excruciating when I had it. Bear with it, it will get better. Let me know how you get on Fab

it was in a small private hospital in North London (nice quiet room) but to be honest, was glad I was in there as I was in a lot of pain following my surgery and needed Morphine etc. I had a hiatus heria repair done coincidentally at the same time.

Hi again Yes I've had it done in the UK. No classes or Psych evaluation I guess its done very differently in the US to the UK (no classes or eval are necessary). I met with the surgeon and prior to that had a number of lengthy conversations with the consultant I spoke to from the company that organised it. I had it done last Monday (8th Dec) and the recovery (so far) hasn't been too bad - apart from a terrible pain in my left shoulder (which I understand is a common problem) resulting from air under the diaphram. That's being managed with painkillers and sleeping tablets. Last night I slept properly for the first time in about 5 days so am feeling a little better today. Here's hoping that this continues but please be aware of the possible probs with shoulder pain (which is excruciating). I am really surprised that you are not staying in overnight - particularly as this is being done under a general anaesthetic which you can react badly to. I hope they give you some good pain meds when you leave. Good luck and hope this helps Fab

Hi Sue Thanks for responding - yes, I also felt the bypass was a step too far Despite the shoulder problems I am very happy with my choice (so far) and coincidentally, my surgeon has just called me (as he was concerned to hear of my ongoing pain) and has made some more recommendations - apply warmth to the source, take a hot shower/bath etc, keep moving around regularly and continue taking the painkillers until the air dissipates etc. which he says will reduce the problem in time. However, if the pain is too bad and also carries on interfering with my sleep, he's said I can always go to his house (amazing) for a consultatation and possible prescription for stronger pain meds. He's a real gem of a doctor!! (a rarity indeed) Anyway, fingers crossed for a good nights, pain-free sleep tonight all the best to you too stay in touch Fab

Hi Lisa Firstly, congratulations for taking the plunge. :biggrin: I'm 6 days the other way - e.g. 6 days after surgery and despite some discomfort with shoulder pain (a known possible side effect from the surgery :biggrin:), I've already lost 10lbs Wooo hoooo! - yes I know that's mostly Water - but its going in the right direction and is always encouraging. I agree that it's a good time to do it - you will need the time to recover from the surgery and the privacy so you don't have to explain to others why you are a bit uncomfortable and/or are not eating as they are used to seeing etc. I can answer your questions from my perspective only. 1. Will you succeed? Only if you are determined to make a change to your life and stick to the plan I am sure you will. 2. Will you regret doing it? I dont think so. Its a positive step to a new life/new you - and taking you in the right direction. 3. How much will you lose? Well, that depends on a lot of things. e.g. How much do you need to lose, how much you want this to work, whether or not you 'cheat' or follow it through - to the letter. 4. Will you be happy with your decision? Only you can answer that once you have started to lose weight, get into those smaller sizes that have eluded you, felt better about yourself etc. I too have heard 'stories' but if you listen to all of the negative ones, you will never do it and remain as you are today. So grab your courage in both hands and go for it. Lots of luck and keep us posted on your progress. Faberge (UK)

Hi Amanda Well done you for taking the decision to get it done now. I know how easy it is to postpone the decision to get this done (particularly so close to Christmas) for the usual reasons and I too felt that if I left it until after Christmas, it would be so easy to completely indulge over the festive period and then beat myself up for it. Your new life begins now! I was banded 6 days ago - and am currently having a bit of discomfort with shoulder pain following the surgery but am advised that this is quite common and should pass soon (I hope you are lucky enough not to encounter this). Good luck with your surgery and lucky for you, the weather on your side of the globe is great at this time of year. Have a great Christmas with your family and look forward to the New Year with a whole new regime and hopefully a brand new body (of your own making) Go girl regards Faberge (freezing in the UK)

Hi there I am just 5 days into recovery (8th Dec 08) after my op and today was the first time I experienced this excruciating pain in my left shoulder which got progressively worse and I couldn't seem to relieve it no matter what I did. No-one forewarned me that I might get this problem but after speaking to my support nurse and then the on-call doctor who subsequently rang me too, I was told that its not uncommon but is due to referred pain from where the band sits below the diaphram & apparently is primarily caused by trapped wind - particularly during early recovery until things settle down. I'm advised that it can also come from overeating but given I'm only on small amounts of clear fluids at present this was an unlikely cause. Unfortunately, the trapped wind is not in the diaphram itself (but comes as a result of where the surgeon blew up the stomach in order to get in to do the keyhole surgery) so burping isn't possible & won't therefore relieve it anyway. I'm also advised that it will pass and I sincerely hope they are right as you say, its extremely painful! I took some strong painkillers which relieved it for about 3 hours and now its back (its now 3.00am & I can't sleep). I've read other posts stating that they regret going through this but don't regret it, (I don't as it was not an easy decision to take in the first place) & I'm pretty sure it will pass or go back to your doctor/surgeon and see if there's anything they can do to relieve it. Wishing you and me better regards Fab (United Kingdom)