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Is something wrong with my band?



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Hello,

I've been banded for almost two years. I've had a crazy journey. Lost weight, gained some back, mainly my fault. For quite a few months I was too tight and didn't realize it. It got to the point that I was contemplating removing the band. I would throw up every single day, some days it got so bad that I couldn't even swallow my own saliva. Finally I went for an unfill, the doctor took out 1cc. I have a 10 cc band and was at 6.4, now i'm at 5.4

Once she removed the cc I was immediately better. It's been well over a month and I've only thrown up twice and that's because both times I truly didn't chew chicken well and couldn't pass it.

Now here's my current problem. About a week ago I felt a weird tingling sensation on my port area. Not painful, but weird. Then a few hours later I had a sharp pain on my side (right side, closes to the port) and sharp shoulder pain. I figured it was gas because I had a laparoscopic procedure done two weeks prior in my pelvic area and was still dealing with the gas from surgery. However, the pain on my side and shoulder has not gone and I"m getting worried. I can't take a deep breath, when I do, I feel a sharp tug/stab like feeling on my side and on my shoulder. It's not so bad when I'm standing, but it is worse when I'm laying down. I"m a side sleeper and laying on either side now bothers me. It's almost as if when I lay on my side I'm pulling on something inside me which causes the tugging like feeling and shoulder pain. I was hoping it would have gone by now, but I no longer think it's gas from my recent surgery.

I would go to my lap band doctor but of course, as soon as this started, my job changed our medical insurance and they are telling me they cover ZERO obesity treatment, including follow up visits or diagnostic visits for lap band.

I was wondering if this has happened to anyone? Any ideas what it might be? All answers are welcome!

Thanks,

Niobe

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Oh I forgot to mention. I haven't had in the past or now any acid reflux. Ive seen last of posts about how reflux is the #1 sign of band slippage. I don't have that.

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Don't assume it's your band or the port. See a doctor, they'll know. No need to go to a bariatric doc if it's acute pain.

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My money is on the recent laparoscopic procedure but you should check with your surgeon. So glad you got out of the red zone, yikes. Keep tuning into your body so you can report fully and also have a feeling of what's going on yourself. Listen to that.

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My money is on the recent laparoscopic procedure but you should check with your surgeon. So glad you got out of the red zone, yikes. Keep tuning into your body so you can report fully and also have a feeling of what's going on yourself. Listen to that.

Yeah I was thinking my previews procedure had something to do with it. I had a lot of tissue in and around my pelvis and reproductive organs. The doctor said I also had a lot in my abdominal wall and some was attaching to my liver. She wasn't sure if some of it was scar tissue from the lap band surgery. They removed all the scar tissue. I made everyone in the OR very aware that I had a lap band in place as I was afraid they would hurt it. Which I assume the didn't as I've had no complaints until now. I'm supposed to go see my gyno for a follow visit on Tuesday. I will ask her then if this is common. Thanks!

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Best wishes to you -- let yourself really heal. Inflammation is inflammation and that definitely effects my band. Be gentle with yourself -- you're taking good care. Keep tuning in and tap those medical professionals as often as you need them.

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Do you still have your gallbladder?

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Do you still have your gallbladder?

Yes I still have it. Don't remember every having any issues with it. You think that might be it?

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I would see a doctor. I have to pay cash too :(

I have lots of passing mystery pain. I attribute it to scar tissue from several surgeries. But I've communicated this with my physician and he keeps an eye on it. Good luck!

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Could be anything, but better safe than sorry. Go see your doc.

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Yes I still have it. Don't remember every having any issues with it. You think that might be it?

Lots of folks with sudden wt loss lose their gall ladders. As stated above, mention your pain to your doctor

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I had my gall bladder removed in May 2014 (Lapband in Sept13 and went for my f~up from surgery and there were 2 other people who were in waiting room talking about how they had Lapband surgery and had their gb removed.

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I've had this a few times before. Usually when I've aggravated the band by eating to much or to fast. The pain is around my port area and shoots up to my shoulder. I have to go to liquids or puree foods for a few days and then it seems to get better. The pain has lasted for over a week at times but always got better with adjusting my eating. Perhaps take some Tylenol or advil for the pain and if it doesn't get better or worsens I would strongly recommend seeing the DR.

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