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gb9877 · February 21, 2007

Hi there,

This is my 1st time on this forum. I was banded on Feb 1st 2007-just 20 days ago. I live in NH. My BCBS insurance finally approved my surgery after an agonizing appeals process. To date I've lost 19 lbs. Yeh! I am really bumming now though because 2 days ago I woke up with severe stabbing pains in the Left upper quadrant of my abdomen. I called my surgeon last evening and she was terrible. She basically told me she didn't believe my pain could be caused by the surgery- hello my pain is right where the band itself is! She told me I could go to the ER if I was in pain. I feel really abandoned and really disheartened now. If I can't call my surgeon with these problems then who am I supposed to turn to. I still have hope that I will be successful and eventually be pain free. If anyone out there has had a similar experience and wants to share it with me or has some advice please let me know. I can't take a deep breath without it shooting pain into my abdomen. If I move in the wrong way I nearly double over with the pain. I can keep my fluids down without a problem. I'm not nauseated either. I work in a hospital and am really bummed by the poor treatment I am receiving by the Dr.

gb9877

LeeInDe. · February 21, 2007

First welcome to you, I am new here too, was banded on the 14th.

Oh Wow, you are describing my pain, too! It is caused by either gas or air from the surgery, and is rubbing against the nerve that runs up into your neck. It is very painful. Taking a breath, moving, etc. makes the pain worse. I finally called the nurse at my surgeon's office, last night, (who had given me a number to call anytime), and she confirmed the pain. Others here have had it too. At least she understood, and told me to get back on the pain meds, and they will also renew my prescription for the meds.

If you still have pain meds, maybe they may work. A heating pad gave me some minimal relief last night.

I am sorry your doctor is being ignorant. Everyone here knows what it is about, as I am sure you will hear and read more about it. Good luck to you.