It seems to me that I find out more information on these boards than I do going to the doctor.

I've been having severe to excruciating pain over the past month in the gall bladder area. The pain is all too familiar, because I had it when I had gall stones, so needless to say, it's not gall stones. But it IS the exact pain. Happens after I eat just about anything. Very frustrating. I've had CT's, xrays, 2 endoscopys and they cannot find anything. PLUS I'm severely anemic. Now they are talking colonoscopy. UGH! I dont know if that's a band slippage issue or not, but I do have another appointment on Tuesday.

Anyone familiar with these issues? Help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

There is a condition called Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction....SOD. If you yahoo or google it there are some fairly easy to read articles. It sure sounds similar to what you have. The bad news is that there is little to offer....inderal and or nitroglycerin I believe, but the good news is that it can resolve itself.

Best wishes,

Mimi

Thanks, Mimi. I came across that condition when I first started looking up my symptoms, but never really pursued it since doctors were telling me 'bleeding ulcer' and now that maybe my band slipped. I'm going to print up an article and give to to ALL MY DOCS.

Andrea

Haven't read the article, but wanted to throw my lazy 2 cents in.

I too have had my gallbladder removed and still get pains occasionally. According to my doctor, it is totally possible to have that issue.

I had my gallbladder removed in '92 and from what I understand you can still get stones in your bile duct.

That's what my doc told me. I wonder how they would see if there are stones in the duct? I've had a ct, xray and endoscopy. Maybe an ultrasound or xray with the barium swallow?

SO I saw my lap band doc yesterday. I had an Upper GI with a barium swallow. Turns out that I have this lap band/pouch dilation issue. He took some of the Fluid out to lessen the restriction on the band and he said it would heal itself. He also said, however, he wasn't sure that was even the cause of the pain in my abdomen I've been getting. I guess I'm still in a wait-and-see situation, but I'm glad he found that.

A bunch of polyps were found in my stomach, but still waiting for results from the endoscopy. *sigh* Playing the waiting game again.

Thanks for the replies.

I hope this solves your problems and your pain goes away.

Mimi

hope you are doing better Avon Andrea. Tough to wait i know.

SO I saw my LAP-BAND® doc yesterday. I had an Upper GI with a barium swallow. Turns out that I have this LAP-BAND®/pouch dilation issue. He took some of the Fluid out to lessen the restriction on the band and he said it would heal itself. He also said, however, he wasn't sure that was even the cause of the pain in my abdomen I've been getting. I guess I'm still in a wait-and-see situation, but I'm glad he found that.

A bunch of polyps were found in my stomach, but still waiting for results from the endoscopy. *sigh* Playing the waiting game again.

Thanks for the replies.

Are you on any kind of special diet? I was told I have dilation, but didn't tell me I needed to do anything special and I guess I was a little worried that I wouldn't follow any kind of special rules and it wouldn't heal.

I was at B&N today reading a book about gallbladder and liver cleansing.... I didn't know you can get gallstones in your Liver!!!!! I knew they could get stuck in your bile duct , but not the liver!!!! I had my gallbladder removed in '92 so now I am thinking... hummmm

I am having the exact same problems. I had my gallbladder out last August after having severe pain for months on end. My gb was only working at 10% so I assumed that was the problem. Right after surgery, the pain started up again and so far has not subsided. It doesn't matter what I eat, I get the pains after almost every meal. I even get it drinking Water.

I've had so many tests run and nothing seems to be wrong. My gastro did mention SOD, but I'm still not convinced. I'm also not willing to go through anymore tests to be 100%, especially since it seems like there is not much that can be done about SOD.

I am going next week to start the ball rolling to have this thing removed. I have my fingers crossed that the lap-band is causing the problems and they go away after it is gone.

Anyone else have these problems? I would love to talk to the original poster to see how she is doing and compare notes. We sound so similar in what is happening.

Michele