Is This Restriction?

[Wheety3 5]

I am Post-Op day 4. I feel pretty good around the tummy. Just started the bad shoulder pains yesterday. It just started yesterday, but when I drink my Protein Shakes and broth or my popcycles I feel some tightness right in the middle top of my belly. If I take very very small sips it doesnt seem to happen. The doctor said he did put some Fluid in the band during surgery but not sure how much. Am I just drinking too big of sips and too close together, then I feel restriction? I am still able to get my liquids down but just curious if this happens to anyone else?

Also any recomendations for this shoulder pain. This part is not fun. How long does it last?

Thanks much everyone

[armymom2012 51]

It is normal to have shoulde pain after surgery. I was told that it was from the gas they blow your stomach up with during surgery. Try using a heating pad or Tylenol. If you continue to get it months after surgery like I do 3 months out, talk to your doctor, because it could mean your eating too much or too fast or like in my case, they think it has to do with a nerve issue that may be caused by the band hitting the diaphram causing pain. There is apparently a med they are planning on trying on me soon to help with the pain. Hope you feel better soon.

[yellowrose88 43]

Try taking smaller or baby sips. You could be drinking too fast or too big of sips. Yes the shoulder pain is normal. Remember to walk and you can use a heating pad to help with the pain. You will start feeling better soon. Good luck!

[Silverdime827 0]

I was banded on 4/19/12 and I have the same problem. It feels like there's a bubble that pushes against my lungs and it's hard to breath for a few minutes. I was told by a nurse in the hospital that the gas from the surgery could press against the diaphram and feel like pressure. I don't think I've been drinking too quickly or too much, but I'm still learning what too fast and too much means with the band. I am worried about being dehydrated.

[SashaWLS 412]

Silverdime, I feel exactly the same way. Banded 4/18 and have this bubble pressing up against my diaphragm that I feel like I can't get rid of. So annoying!!!

[Silverdime827 0]

I guess it's normal then SashaWLS! It's a really weird feeling, isn't it? I wonder if it's the gas or if it's restriction....

I get worried that I'm not getting enough in me. I try my best to get down the Protein Shakes (GNC x2) but it takes HOURS to finish them. I can have Tomato Soup but only a few spoonfuls before I'm done or it gets cold.

[armymom2012 51]

I wasn't able to eat much of anything either right after surgery. I was given 4cc right at the time of surgery, because the band was too lose. That would cause you not to be hungry or trouble eating much as well. Just make sure you get as much Water in to stay hydrated and it will eventually loosen up and allow you to eat more. I lost 24# in 2 weeks after surgery because of the restrictions. I can't complain about that:)

[Wheety3 5]

Thanks everyone for the input. I was not feeling well yesterday with the shoulder pains and all. I slept fine, just a little restless due to I am a stomach sleeper and cant do that right now. Got up this morning and had my first BM and I feel great now. I think I was taking too big of sips. I am taking baby baby sips and dont feel it as much.

It's good to hear I'm not the only one going though this. Thanks much.

[Passionatehrt 15]

Silverdime' date=' I feel exactly the same way. Banded 4/18 and have this bubble pressing up against my diaphragm that I feel like I can't get rid of. So annoying!!![/quote']

Okay...I was banded on 4/19 and Im feeling the same...ughh just want it to go away.

[deanne21 4]

I was banded on 26/3/12 and suffered soooooo bad with trapped gas!!! I find if I sit up right and gently rock my upper body back and forward it helps bring up some wind!!! Even to now I suffer with that feeling in my chest but so far (touch wood) I do a bit of rocking and it relives it!!! I find medicine also makes me gassy !!! Hope this helps!!!

[Jen75 33]

"Even to now I suffer with that feeling in my chest but so far (touch wood) I do a bit of rocking and it relives it!!!"

It's funny, to this day (I'm three years out) and find myself rocking like a baby to burp or get things to move! My family thinks I'm crazy. My dh points it out all the time as I don't even notice I'm doing it! Lol

[Skyvic 226]

My support staff at surgeon office informed me of this pain, part of gas that blows up your body during surgery. Good back rub liquid pain meds. I still get these pains if something feels stuck or come back up if I eat too big of bites, don't chew well, or not good choice of food that disagrees. When this happens might as well go back to full liquids for a day or so:(