So, I am posting this in a couple of forums hoping to get some help, advice - ANYTHING - I am at my wits end....

I had my lap band surgery in June of 08. I had a tummy tuck/hernia repair the end of this past April. Since then I've had an array of issues, including a bout with shingles (dealing with the after-pain now) and now severe to sometimes excruciating pain around my port area. It literally feels sometimes like it is ripping from my muscle that it's attached to.

I have been to see my plastic surgeon who said he didn't mess with the band OR port at all. Went to see my lap band surgeon who first tried muscle relaxers (didn't help but only made me sleepy beyond all reason) then next visit just pretty much said my muscles are still healing and give it more time. My thing is - how much more time? I mean, seriously? How long do I have to be in pain waiting to supposedly heal? Plus, the pain is getting worse, not better. The only test done was a ct scan when I went to the er because the pain was unbearable.

I am having no other issues - not throwing up, not nauseous, etc. So I am literally just here, in pain, and not knowing what to do next. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? Any clue as to where to go from here? I would really appreciate any words of advice.

Thank you so much in advance.

Andrea

I am having the same pain feeling as you currently. I had my surgery on April 15th. I go for my first fill tomorrow, and will let them know what I am feeling. I will post tomorrow and let you know what they say.

thank you. i appreciate it.

Okay, I am just back from the doctor and what I was told was that for some people it can take up to a year for the body to fully accept the band because it is a foreign object, and also that the muscles which were not in the best shape to start with take a bit longer to heal also after the surgery. So, I am not sure but maybe because you just had another surgery in the same general area it irritated your port again? She told me unless I was having the vomiting, indigestion, heartburn, or the feeling of food being stuck that I should not worry. Your pain sounds way more severe than what I am going through, although i have a very high pain tolerance. I don't know if that helps, but I have been going nuts wondering if I had prolapsed my band because of the pain in the port area that I have been feeling. Hope it all works itself out.

I'm glad to hear it's nothing serious with you. YAY!

As for here, latest is this - lap band doc prescribed some pain meds but suggested i go see my plastic surgeon, since it's something that must be addressed by him (PS). I have an appointment tomorrow.

MEANWHILE, the pain has gotten so bad, it really hurts to just stand straight up now. I, too, have a high tolerance for pain. Thanks for keeping me updated!!!

Andrea

My friend had shingles, he complained daily of a pain in his side for almost a year. Sorry, I know its not good news but I think your pain is more shingles related than band related.

I've had shingles once before this time. It felt more like painful sunburn on the outside and inside - from just under the ribs on one side all the way to around the exact same spot front and back. This pain I'm experiencing literally feels like the port is being ripped from the muscle wall. Two completely different types of pain. Pain is more when I stand up straight.