dburk

Mine eventually went away completely. It was considerably less after about 2-3 weeks and pretty much totally gone in a month or so. I was banded over a year ago now and have no additional shoulder pains. I'm sure yours will go away too - I hope it does quickly!

Thank you - I've just had a lot of tenderness around it for days now. Hopefully, it's getting a little better so I'm trying not to worry about it.

Thank you! I'm so glad to get your response. I was hoping that this was fairly common. I won't worry about it now; it may even be a little bit better already....

Did it just stop hurting on its own? I'm hoping this will just pass. It's so tender around that spot....it IS weird!!

This is the first time I've been on the website in months. I had my lapband placed about 13 months ago. Now, like you, all of a sudden I now have pain around my port. Again, like you, it's not a sharp pain but feels bruised or something. I'd like to know also if anyone else has experience this and if it finally gets better on its own....

Good to know. Maybe we can quit worrying about that so much! Thanks!

I'm so glad to have all of you 'guys'! It seems that most of us experience the same things, worries, etc. I've not lost hardly any weight yet and I'm 2 months past surgery (had 2 fills). I worry that I've stretched the stomach, that I'm not eating small enough portions or the right foods, etc., etc. I'm trying to eat less (using my weak self control) but it's so good to hear from others that this slow weight loss is normal and that it will start working as needed at some point - when we reach the number of fills we need - whatever that may be for each of us! I don't want to think I'm failing but I am disappointed to have lost only 10-12 pounds after 2 months. So good to hear that this is 'normal' and that weight loss will pick up at some point!! Thanks everyone....

So far I've been able to eat anything I want, just try to eat far less of it! I was banded on 3/5/09 and have never yet thrown up or been sick. I have had 2 fills now and will definitely need a third as soon as they allow it (in about 3 more weeks) because I'm still eating more than I should - try as I may not to! I'm trying to make permanent eating changes as I go along so that I don't have to worry about fills always but can start depending on myself eating as I should....but I'm not there yet and still tend to overeat on occasions. Waiting for the next fill to help me get to my goals. But again, so far I haven't found anything foods I cannot eat. We'll see as time (and fills) go on....

Well, I did it! I had my first fill - after dreading it from the beginning because of my needle phobia. It really wasn't bad at all - and that's saying a lot for me! He did numb it and I felt only a slight pinch and the sensation of the liquid going in. After that, I felt a small stick and that was it! Now, if I can just start losing more weight!! Thanks for all your encouragement!

Thank you all for the responses. I've been so worried about the fill and I feel much less nervous now! I will definitely ask to be numbed first and hope he'll do that! This will be my first one but I'm ready for it as I haven't lost hardly any weight since I was banded on 3/5. Thanks for the encouragement everyone!

Oh that's good to know! I'm asking mine again this week as it has now been 6 weeks and I'd like just an occasional soft drink. I never drank many to begin with but do enjoy one once in a while. Thanks for your response.

Thank you for the quick responses. I've just been dreading this because of my heightened needle phobia but I'm sure I can get through this - and I obviously need one as I have lost only 3 pounds since my band on 3/5/09. I'm going to keep a positive attitude and get it over with!!

Thanks for the reply! I would just occasionally like a sip of Dr. Pepper or even the flavored sparkling waters but will avoid if they cause problems.

Why can't we have occasional carbonated beverages? Does this cause a problem with the stomach?

I know I sound like an incredible baby, but I'm very scared of the first fill I have coming up next week. I have an awful needle phobia and hear it is a really large needle. Does it hurt???

Yes - I have also gone through the 'what have I done' stage, been happy, been sad, but it is better now. I had my surgery on 3/5/09 and I hope it continues to get better as the weight starts to come off! Hang in there! Nothing like good results to help the mood/emotions!

Thanks for the response - wish I could also count on genetics! I expect to have to really exercise - and hope for the best!! My weight is coming off very slowly though....may be a moot point for a long while.

It's good to hear all the results - sounds like many of us have very similar results so far. That makes me feel pretty good in that I'm not the only one who hasn't lost recently - must be normal! I haven't lost any weight in the last week (my third week since surgery) but had a doctor's appointment two days ago. He said this is normal and that I should now start on 'regular foods'. I'm to note how quickly I feel full after starting regular foods (no more liquids, soups, etc.). I am tentatively scheduled to have my first fill on April 10, which will be nearly 6 weeks after surgery. So far, I'm not finding much restriction but am still trying to limit portions and be cautious of what I eat. We'll see how the next two weeks go. Good luck all!

Hi - I was banded on 3/5 and also had terrible shoulder/neck pain for the first week. I was totally freaked out because it also radiated down my arm and into my chest (heart area) too. I got some feedback from this forum from others who also experienced this pain and was somewhat comforted. My pain subsided after about two weeks. I did try to walk alot (mostly around and in the house during the first days after surgery). Good luck - hope yours goes away quickly also!

Yes - it IS frustrating. I have lost about 14 pounds (including the pre-op liquid diet week), but no loss for this week. I'm also consuming approximately 1000-1200 daily calories. That seems like such a little but I'm still worried it is too much since I've not lost weight in a week. I hope to begin exercising this week and that should help a bit too. I'm still slightly sore and have an itchy rash around the incisions. I haven't been working out because of this - it itches tremendously when I get hot. I think it has nearly disappeared so I plan to try again to work out when it is gone! Surely the weight loss will pick up if/when I get a fill and when I start exercising more..... Thanks for the response - it's good to have others to 'talk' to and ask questions!

Hi - I'm from the Dallas area and was banded on March 5. I have my first follow-up doctor's appointment tomorrow and expect they may suggest a fill since I don't currently have any restriction when eating. I had to do a 7 day liquid fast prior to the surgery and spent the last 2 weeks on liquids/soft foods. I have now started adding in some 'regular' foods and trying to keep it minimal. Good luck to everyone - I hope we all get great results!!

Wow! You have done so incredibly well. I hope I do as well. I was banded on 3/5/09 and I'm finding that I can eat anything. I have an appointment tomorrow and I guess they'll suggest a fill or something. I wondered if anyone has lost as much as 100 pounds and not had the saggy or droopy extra skin? Does a lot of exercise help prevent that?

I haven't heard of that. Is it still happening? Please call your doctor if it persists.... Good luck; maybe it's just a natural thing and will pass quickly.

Hi - I was banded on 3/5 and I too have had difficulty not drinking with (or after) meals. Did you ever get any tips on this??? At this time, I'm just trying to hold it to 3-4 sips of water right after I finish eating. Hopefully, it will get easier. I have lost only about 15 pounds (counting the week of liquid fasting before the band) so I'm getting concerned. I haven't lost a single pound this week and feel like I can eat anything! I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday.....maybe I'll learn more.

Apparently each doctor is quite different in the diet requests. I have 3 friends who were told to do a 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery but I was told to do only 7 days (and we're all fairly close in size). I didn't even get weighed on the morning of surgery so they didn't watch that closely. Just stick with it for health reasons and I'm sure you'll be fine!! Good luck!!