Help - Is This Pain Normal?

[soxaholic 0]

Hi everyone -

I was banded four days ago and I'm just wondering if the pain I'm feeling is normal.

I've heard all about the dreaded gas pain, but I'm not sure how to tell if my pain is from gas or (worse) something else...

I have a really sharp pain in my side every time I try to take a deep breath. I am not able to talk very loud or speak in very long sentences because of the side pain. When I drink liquid, I get the very same pain in the aforementioned side and it makes me feel incredibly full on just a few sips. This naughty little side hurts when I walk around as well. The only time it does not hurt is when I am laying still. The pain comes from the middle of my left side (near the stomach). I chalked it up to gas, but it doesn't seem to be going away (and I have been passing for days). Would gas cause pain when I drink and make me feel full? It doesn't seem like it would...

Are these symptoms normal? Has anyone else experienced these particular problems? Does it sound like gas, or stomach pain? Is stomach pain normal post-op?

I realize pain is to be expected, I just want to calm my nerves by knowing this is common! I'm afraid that the band is causing me pain!

Thanks in advance for the help!

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Call your doctor tomorrow and ask. It's probably gas but hard to diagnose over the internet...especially since most of us aren't docs either! :crying:

Keep breathing deeply anyway...you need to for your lungs. You're probably just sore from surgery.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

if it were the band it wouldn't be on the left side (the band is around the top of your stomach...it is centered and usually just a bit below the area between your breasts) Left side pain is probably your port. Breathing deeply and walking will help things heal smoothy, rather than you getting adhesions and so on.

still call your doc, ok?

[Munequita 0]

The pain I'm experiencing is on my lower back (left side). I lay down and it goes away. Keep using the breathing thing they gave you at the hospital, that seemed to hellp me too.

[soxaholic 0]

I definitely didn't receive anything for breathing - can you explain what it is? Anything I can get/make on my own?

[Munequita 0]

It's a hand held breathing (not sure the correct name for it) thing that has a mouth piece you breath in to, its to make sure your lungs are clear. Mine has a :crying: and a :laugh:.

[YngGram 73]

It is a plastic device that you use to expand your lungs because when you are sore, you tend to not breath deeply. This helps to keep infection from the lungs. I have had several surgeries and have had to use one each time. We were given one at our nutrition class about 2 weeks before surgery to help start strenghting the lungs and I am to continue use for 2 weeks after.

[LifeStartsNow 0]

Hey Sox - I know EXACTLY what you're describing. I had exactly the same problem and it got worse as the day went on. It felt to me like what some people call a stitch from running. Its caused by a lack of oxygen when you're running/exercising and goes away when you take deeper breaths. But why I got felt like I had a stitch was confusing to me. I had it on my left side, right below my lowest/last rib. Trying to take a deep breath was impossible b/c it hurt so much on that side. I took liquid tylenol and it helped me. it started around day four for me, and completely went away on day 7. It was also gone each time I woke up in he morning but always came back during the day. Now I only feel it when I eat too much - weird isn't it? I'm 10 days out but was so darn relieved when it was gone!

[coups 0]

Hi soxaholic, I am getting the same pain as you i think its in my neck tho on the left side, I had my first fill last week and they told me its not wind or gas it pain from the internal stitches which I didnt realise I had even, when you eat of drink something it is awful but I was assured it woud go whithin 3 months , long time to wait but hopefully its worth it, by the way welcome from England x

[lisahauck 0]

Hi, I have the exact pain that you are describing. I am 11 days post-op and still having these pains. My doctor told me the port is sutured into the muscle and some of the pain could be that. I also have pain after drinking sometimes, but I realized that it is usually after drinking COLD liquids. I hear this is common, but I am having a really hard time getting use to Room Temperature Water.< /p>

[Cate18 0]

It's a hand held breathing (not sure the correct name for it) thing that has a mouth piece you breath in to, its to make sure your lungs are clear. Mine has a :frown: and a .

I think you're talking about a spirometer. If you weren't given one during surgery you should definitely mention it to your doc. It's pretty standard surgery practice.

[soxaholic 0]

Thanks for all of the responses!

It's really nice to know that a few of you have experienced the same thing; at least I'm not alone!

However, I don't think my pain could be caused by the port. My surgeon placed my port just above my belly button, slightly to the right. I can't imagine the port, in the middle of my belly, could be causing pains on the sides?

I'm just hoping it's gas! I guess I'll never truly know. All thoughts and similar situations are welcome!