Left Shoulder Pain Since Surgery on March 29th 2013

[lasvegas1989 9]

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???

[lasvegas1989 9]

I meant getting my 3rd fill in two weeks.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

You have a very large, very major nerve that is effected by the band. It's called the Vagus nerve. Part of what the band does is stimulate that nerve into sending a signal to your brain to make you feel satisfied on very little food. It also dims the hunger signals.

For some people, it's a bit over-stimulated and they feel the left shoulder pain you're speaking of. Thankfully, the majority do find it passes a couple months after their band surgery. For others, that shoulder pain you speak of becomes their signal they've eaten too much and need to stop eating immediately.

My best advice is to measure your portions and be sure to stick to a cup or less of food. When you drink, drink small slow sips.

Good luck!

[drehn88 251]

I get the same pain and I'm 2 months post op. I figured it was a sign I ate or drank too much. I hope it doesn't mean I've stretched my band.

[DetChatt 188]

I had the shoulder pain as well, but it passed after maybe my 3rd fill if I remember correctly. It was VERY painful, so much so that I didn't eat much during that time and lost a lot of weight (over a month perhaps). I never ever feel it anymore.

[staceyhearn79 26]

I have only had my band about 2 weeks but I have the same problem with no fills yet of course. Wish I knew what it was as well. I mentioned it to the nurse an she said same thing you did.

[Ivy Verde 68]

It's a very common side effect of banding. Google---- Lap Band + Vagus Nerve. Look at pictures of anatomy to see how the Vagus nerve runs through the diaphragm and how the band is situated so close to the diaphragm.

It can become permanent if the nerve gets damaged. It is never a good thing to have the referred left shoulder pain.

[shaziajan87 4]

Try taking Gas x medication that might help too, it helped me every time I had that left shoulder pain.

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[Prynn65 18]

I have it, too. I'm only 17 days postop-- I notice it returns when I am "full" from eating. But overall, doing pretty good. I hope yours subsides soon.

[lasvegas1989 9]

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.

[Ivy Verde 68]

I had lap band done in 2002. I had the band removed after a couple of years and still have the shoulder pain once in awhile from the damage the band did to the nerves. It happens to a lot of people. In fact, I'd say it happens so often that it should be considered a side effect of gastric banding. A lot of doctors don't care to mention it, but anyone with a working knowledge of anatomy should be able to diagnose the referred left shoulder pain that accompanies banding.

[lasvegas1989 9]

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!

[Heccat2 154]

I am so sorry to hear that some bandsters experience this type of pain. I guess I was one of the lucky ones, because I have never had that pain on the shoulder. Amen to that!