heatherjune

I am in Tucson as well and see Dr Schwartz, banded in July 07 would love to hear from you.

I was banded July 9, 2007. I am certain that this surgery is exactly what I needed to lose the weight I stuggled with since adolescence, but have recently incountered some complications that are starting to cause some anxiety. To date I have lost 30 lbs, and it hasnt been a cake walk, but it is truly exciting to see the progess coming slowly but surely. The pre-op diet for me (consisiting of 2 protein shakes per day and one lean cuisine for two weeks) was challenging, but I faced it with excitement, knowing that this was the start of my new life. I lost about 9 pounds during this time. My surgery went very well, I had the same pain and discomfort that many of you have described. Crappy, but tolerable. I was on a clear liquid diet for one week, a full liquid diet for the next week, and a pureed diet for three weeks following that. When I started eating soft solids, I started to experience pain in my left shoulder. I have pinned it down to occuring mainly with meals, or immidiately following, and it lasts for hours. This was at least 5 weeks post op, so I didnt think it could be gas, but wasnt sure. I called my doctor when the pain became intolerable, for fear that it was something with my heart, went to the hospital, had several tests and CT scans run, but everything came back fine - thank goodness. The week following, my pain improved, but was still occuring off and on. I received my first fill on August 22, but it didnt go so well. The doctor could not retract the fluid after he injected it and is afraid there may be a hole in the band, or the band could have come unlatched - both which, Im assuming, would require surgery to correct (we are waiting a month to see if I lose weight and will evaluate at that point). I was on a liquid diet for the 1st & 2nd day following and then a pureed diet the next day. I have now sarted eating soft solids again, and everytime I eat, I get that horrible pain in my left shoulder. This bring me to my anxiety comment. Not only do I now basically fear eating anything other than liquid food, I am fearful that this pain will always be part of my life, and I cant bear that. I am also fearful that I will have to undergo another operation, and feeling rather discouraged at this point. I have been reading and visiting lap band talk since my surgery, but have never made any comments. I am doing so today to see if anyone has any advice, or has had anything similar happen to them. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope to hear from you.