Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I was 'banded' 11/24 - 8 days post op now. My incisional pain is pretty well gone. My tolerance for pain is fairly high but I'm struggling with a pain that is located just under my left rib cage. I'm guessing that this is the lap band placement but it feels like it is pressing against my diaphragm muscle and it hurts when I deep breath in (when the diaphragm expands down into the abdominal cavity). It is also causing me to not be able to sleep more than a few hours at night as this pressure is constant. At first I thought it was the dreaded 'gas pains' and perhaps some of this discomfort is partly due to remaining gas from the lap. However, the discomfort I am experiencing can't be part of my forever life as it's just not tolerable. I am planning on calling my surgeon today but thought I'd ask those who have gone before me - is this NORMAL??

Thanks all.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was 'banded' 11/24 - 8 days post op now. My incisional pain is pretty well gone. My tolerance for pain is fairly high but I'm struggling with a pain that is located just under my left rib cage. I'm guessing that this is the lap band placement but it feels like it is pressing against my diaphragm muscle and it hurts when I deep breath in (when the diaphragm expands down into the abdominal cavity). It is also causing me to not be able to sleep more than a few hours at night as this pressure is constant. At first I thought it was the dreaded 'gas pains' and perhaps some of this discomfort is partly due to remaining gas from the lap. However, the discomfort I am experiencing can't be part of my forever life as it's just not tolerable. I am planning on calling my surgeon today but thought I'd ask those who have gone before me - is this NORMAL??

Thanks all.

I was banded a year ago and from time to time I expirienced similar pain along with left shoulder pain but not to the point that i'm not able to sleep. I went to my surgeon and they did an upper GI and they noticed that the port tubing is really close to my left diaphragm, so specially when I over eat and I take deep breath I can feel the pain, I was told I can get another surgery to readjust the tube positioning or I can live with it. I personally don't want to go back for another surgery. So I have been watching how much I eat, so I don't get that pain. Let me know what your surgeon tells you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The port is usually placed on the left side. The sensation you are feeling is likely the area that the port is sutured to. It has to heal, and your port has to settle in. It takes a bit of time to get used to the new sensations in your body. But anything that concerns you should be brought to your surgeon's attention.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

UGH... and I had the EXACT symptoms you do. Mine felt like an overall tightness/soreness /extreme discomfort - like when I took a deep breath, or was sitting/laying in a certain position, bending over, etc. I basically felt it all the time. I discussed with my doctor and he said it's most likely a combination of trapped gas and Constipation. I was banded on 11/10 and had a hell of a time (excuse my language) going #2. I had HORRIBLE constipation. I've since taken colace and have had a MUCH better time. High Protein diets are synonymous with constipation, so it’s very important that we drink as much Water as possible. I was 3 weeks post-op yesterday and can still feel it, just not as bad. It’s DEFINITELY gotten SO much better though. I too was very concerned for a while.

My port is the lower right side of my stomach closer to my belly button as opposed to under your left rib cage. So for me, this particular ailment wasn’t port pain (though I DO have some port pain, just not there lol). Also, I know that some sleeve/bypass patients have experienced the same pain/discomfort… so I don’t think this symptom is exclusive to banded patients.

My doctor also suggested that it may be something called "splenic flexure syndrome." Essentially, gas gets trapped in the bend of the colon near the spleen (the splenic flexure). It’s more or less just gas pains that will eventually dissipate. This may sound crazy… but I found that flapping my arms, like I’m doing the chicken dance helped. I know it sounds weird, but it actually helped alleviate my discomfort/pain :)

But overall, if the discomfort if not manageable and is not getting better at all, I would certainly call your doctor. There’s no reason for you to be uncomfortable and in pain.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Kinserj, I am DEFINITELY going to flap my arms and do the chicken Dance! LOL! I was literally laughing at my desk reading your reply but I am willing to do almost anything to help alleviate this discomfort. I called my surgeon - alas he is in surgery most of today so will update once I hear back from him.

Thank you all for your replies and encouragement. It makes it easier to deal with and not panic.

;-)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A word of advice. Speak to your Dr. Every one is different. What caused one's problem doesn't mean that is your problem.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey MaryRN66, just wanted to check in on you. How are you feeling today? Better I hope!!! :) :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Talked to my doctor and likely scarring of port site and gas pain. Advised I hold off on dairy and lo and behold MUCH better the next day and yesterday when I abstained. Thinking that I might have to work around dairy for a while as I continue to heal. Using a heated pack (old style 'hot Water bottle') at night when I sleep over the left upper quad area works amazingly well too. Thanks for all of the encouragement and support everyone! It helped me to not panic.

;-)

Mary

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×