Sharp Pain on Left Side...what could it be?

[Who'sThere 331]

I am having a very sharp pain on my left side. (My port is on my right side.) This happened the other day, but wasn't so severe. It also didn't last that long. It hurts more when I move or breath, but it never goes away completely. This has been for like 30 minutes straight so far, and it kind of takes my breath. I have taken two Gas-X strips just in case it is gas, but so far no relief. Has anyone experienced anything similar?

[Teacher07 3]

I also have pain on my left side. I also have my port on my left side but it is about 8 inches higher than my port. It is completely strange and I have been in the ER about it and they come up with nothing. Please let me know if you figure anything out.

[momwifelove 0]

This happened to me about 3 days after my surgery. After 2 days of it I went to the ER. They said my ribs had inflammation on them. They told me to take my pain meds every 4 hours as prescribed even if I didn't think I needed them for 1 to 2 days and then 2 hours after I take pain meds to take some iboprofuen (spelling). I did this all day on Sunday and 1st thing Monday morning and then I just kept takin the iboprofuen. Within 2 days I felt 10 times better and by the 3rd day my side wasn't hurting anymore. Good Luck to you!

[brochaz 0]

I am seeing A LOT of post about pain just below the ribs (left side). Apparently, this is where the LapBand sits. I found other posts where they did emergency surgery because of perforations, etc. At this point, I cannot say exactly why one would have this pain (I too have experienced this off & on over the past seven years) but if it persists, I'd be talking to my surgeon.

[Jessica Wren 0]

I would speak with your surgeon about this. I too had pains on my left side (I had them before my surgery too but they had went away) and ended up going to see my family doctor about it. She ran some tests and found nothing and then refered me to my surgeon. He ran a few tests and found I had stones in my appendix (that wasn't causing the pain though) and that my gallbladder wasn't working correctly. He said that my gallbladder might be the cause of the pain but he couldn't be 100% so I decided to go along with having it and my appendix removed. My pain was usually after I ate or when I was working out but at times happened at other times. It was a sharp pain that also would go around into my back. After the surgery the pain decreased and now I only have a pain every once and a while. I'm not sure if your pain is the same as mine but it's a least worth mentioning.

[abominableglib 0]

Hey girl! No worries! It's probably gas. I got my first lapband april 2007. Had it replaced last monday. Same pain both times. I think it's the gas they use during the lapsrasopic procedure trying to get out. Use GAS X and walk That will help. Last time I had to put a heating pad on my shoulder but mine just started up today this time. I was hoping to miss that part. walk, walk, walk It's pretty normal. Good luck to you!

[MelissaHe 0]

I'm just wondering why you had to have the band replaced? Did you have complications?

[abominableglib 0]

I had several complications. I had 2 hiatal hernias and my band had "slipped" so when he repaired everything I had him take out the old band, do the repair and then put in a new band. I'm supposed to get my first fill on tuesday. I'm sooo much better since the surgery.

[Tory09 1]

Same thing happens to me... it almost takes my breath away... I was banded 3 weeks ago... Dr said it is normal... It is about 6 inches away from port... No worries..

[marnina 0]

I was banded 5 days ago, and I have had that kind of pain off and on, too. It was more prominent initially, and has gotten better as time has gone on. I still get it once in awhile, like if I move the wrong way or something, but the others are right....it's right where the band is. And you have to remember there is a lot of swelling initially, too. I am sure it's normal, but if you are really having a lot of pain or are concerned, it never hurts to put a call out to your surgeon. Hope you feel better!

[Lupe 0]

I called my surgeon last week about the same pain and they said two things, gas and Constipation. They recommended some things and I feel better. Nothing beats calling your surgeon, thats what they get paid for.

[Shan28 0]

The stomach sits to the left of the abdomen. That is pain from the band and gas and possibly food going through it. Also, I have been told that there can be irritation to the nerves in the area. Hopefully it gets better but some people say they have had to learn to live with the pain. The gallbladder is on the right and so is the appendix so I would not think that either would be causing that pain. Are you taking an acid reducer? That might help and also the gas x strips. Good luck!

[Todzilla 0]

I also had the "left side" pain as well. It showed up about 3-4 days of being banded and went away in about 8-9 days. My pain wasn't quite "sharp", but it did hurt bad now and then.

I asked and they said it was normal, just internal swelling and tenderness from the surgery. I didn't feel it for the first three days because at the hospital they were giving me injections ever 12 hours for imflamation.

As always though, call the doc if it doesn't get better...