Patti1

Dear Healthforlife, Did you have lap band surgery? I had it 7/9/08. I talked to the doctor yesterday because of my left shoulder pain. He said that 1:700 patients have this and is usually caused by the tubing touching the phrenic nerve in the diaphragm. The brain thinks that the pain is coming from the shoulder. It's called referred pain. He has had some success in patients when he shortens the tubing. I first started getting my pain after my first fill. Some people get it if they eat too much. My primary said I could try Lyrica since it helps with nerve pain. Is your pain any better? When do you usually get the pain?

Sue Magoo When the doc first filled me, it was too full and he had to take some out right away because I couldn't swallow the water. I really don't think that I am too filled because I can eat anything without any problems. In fact, I get hungry an hour after I eat. I go in for another fill next week and I hope it won't get worse. Do you know if it is the band, the port or the tubing that irritates the diaphragm?

I too have left shoulder pain. I was banded on July 9, 2008. The pain started after my first fill on August 22, 2008. The pain also seems to be brought on when I lay on my side or sit at my computer. It has been 3 weeks since the fill and I am still hurting. I don't want to have my band taken out, but I don't know how much more I can take. My PCP has ordered a CT, but does anyone know if they will be able to tell if my band is causing irritation of the Phrenic Nerve in my diaphram?