Newly banded in the UK

Faberge · December 14, 2008

Hi All

I had my band about 6 days ago (8th Dec) in London and happened to come across this site as I was searching for some answers as to why I'm experiencing terrible pain in my left shoulder 5 days post surgery. :biggrin:

Amazing, as I never expected to find out so much (useful) information about the subject(s) - ie. both the banding and the discomfort I'm in. It’s been really helpful to know that I'm not imagining the pain and that I'm not alone with this problem.

My surgeon is Professor Hakim of Harley Street and is a real gem – he discovered and repaired a large rolling hiatus hernia during my procedure (bless him). My own GP poo-poo'd the idea of surgery and kept suggesting the usual diets and groups to join etc and did everything in his power to dissuade me from undergoing surgery.

I've tried and failed (I'm sure like many of you) with every diet under the sun and have become more miserable as my weight crept up over the years - increasing more so recently following the menopause. My husband has lost over 4 stone in the last year and is now getting extremely fit and I put myself under enormous pressure with every extra pound I put on. I don’t regret taking this decision - despite my current discomfort as I am hopeful this will pass as things settle down as my recovery progresses.

It's funny but we all seem to be so secretive about this procedure we've undergone by keeping it from our friends and colleagues (only my husband and best friend know) and I think it’s a shame that we all appear to feel that we can't tell anyone about it but its great to share our thoughts and concerns with equally determined individuals. Nevertheless, I believe that it took a lot of courage and determination to go through with this to get to our common goal.

I am still at the ‘liquids only’ stage and am already losing weight (10lbs so far) :biggrin: but of course, I’m aware that a lot of this is Water loss at this point but I’m feeling very positive. I have a wardrobe and storage with loads of clothes I could no longer get into but have been loathed to throw away as I always believed it would get back into them (which of course, I now am more convinced I will) and was determined to buy no increasingly larger sizes.

Great to ‘virtually’ meet you all

Faberge (Berkshire, UK)

suepro · December 14, 2008

Hi Faberge

I have just joined this group too. I was banded on 6 November at St Richards hospital in Chichester at a specialist bariatric unit by Mr Guy Slater.

I am doing pretty well and have just had my first fill. I am loving my band and am glad that it is the weight loss surgery I chose. Personally I felt the gastric bypass was a bit drastic for me.

Very best of luck to you.

Sue

Faberge · December 14, 2008

Hi Sue

Thanks for responding - yes, I also felt the bypass was a step too far

Despite the shoulder problems I am very happy with my choice (so far) and coincidentally, my surgeon has just called me (as he was concerned to hear of my ongoing pain) and has made some more recommendations - apply warmth to the source, take a hot shower/bath etc, keep moving around regularly and continue taking the painkillers until the air dissipates etc. which he says will reduce the problem in time. However, if the pain is too bad and also carries on interfering with my sleep, he's said I can always go to his house (amazing) for a consultatation and possible prescription for stronger pain meds. He's a real gem of a doctor!! (a rarity indeed)

Anyway, fingers crossed for a good nights, pain-free sleep tonight

all the best to you too

stay in touch

Fab

elljames · February 23, 2009

Hello Faberge

I have my band fitted on 1st November 2008 and have lost 33lbs so far, I also had pain in my left shoulder and now sometimes in the top of my back... Did you find out what the pain was??

Elljames

Faberge · February 23, 2009

Hi Elljames

Well good for you but I'm sorry to hear you are still in pain. Yes, I did some research and also spoke to my surgeon - the problem results from air trapped under the diaphram (apparently its not uncommon). It does pass in time but it was excruciating when I had it.

Bear with it, it will get better.

Let me know how you get on

Fab