I have left shoulder pain and down the left side of my upper back...why? I am eating to much? to fast? I am clueless......It's horrible!! Any answers???

I had by LapBand on 12/9/2010, and the left shoulder pain has been the biggest problem by far! For the first couple of weeks it was excruciating, and I'd be in tears every single day. It has definitely calmed down, but it still bothers me most days. Sometimes, like today, it hurts so badly that I can't use my left arm. My surgeon was shocked I had this reaction and said he's never had any patient have this kind of pain (though after reading your comments on here, I find that hard to believe). He sent me to a neurologist who diagnosed me with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and prescribed physical therapy. I can't say that it's brought me any relief from the pain. Tonight I did some of the home exercises for it and the pain got way worse! If it turns out that it's actually the phrenic nerve impingement, I'm at a loss as to what to do about it. When it hurts so badly, I will do anything that might bring relief. I've tried the skin pain patches with no relief. Neither to ice packs or hot packs help. I try keeping my shoulderblades back & pecs stretched, and that doesn't help. I'd be delighted to hear any more suggestions. So thrilled to have found this community recently. I don't have to be alone in all this anymore! Thanks

I have left shoulder pain and down the left side of my upper back...why? I am eating to much? to fast? I am clueless......It's horrible!! Any answers???

Don't worry yourself too much over the stories of shoulder pain after 6+ months. Obviously, people who are afflicted in this way are going to respond in high numbers to sympathize or share their stories, more than those bandsters for whom it hasn't been much of a problem. I too had shoulder pain after surgery. Ugh, I really hated it. Massages didn't help; it just made my shoulder sore after days of massaging it at one spot. I really dislike taking pills (even tylenol for headaches), but I was definitely taking my post-op pain pills regularly for the shoulder pain. Anyway, after reading these horrible experiences that other bandsters were having, I thought that I too would have to live with the pain. I would almost always get the pain after eating a few bites. But, after about 3-4 weeks, it went away. Since then, I've again experienced a very slight shoulder pain only one or two times after eating over the past 5 months, but it lasted for only a few minutes. Left shoulder pain seems to be very common after this surgery, but pain persisting after several months not so much. Hopefully, even if you do get the pain after many months, it'll only be when you overeat.

To those who endure persistent shoulder pain a long time after surgery, I really do feel for you.

It is really interesting seeing all of the comments about the left shoulder pain. I had this for about a week or so starting the day after my surgery, but I had been warned ahead of time to expect it IF the surgeon had to also repair my hiatal hernia. Now I knew going in that I had a hiatal hernia. It was diagnosed a couple of years earlier when I was having ulcer problems.

At any rate, post-op the nurse told me that sure enough the doctors had repaired my hiatal hernia and to expect some soreness. She also told me to follow the eating plan exactly, i.e. to go slow with liquids, not eat too much or to fast, etc. I followed her instructions almost to a T and sure enough, in a few days the pain disappeared.

I have since done some more research and the link between hiatal hernia and left shoulder pain was confirmed via a couple of sources. So, if you're having it you may want to speak with your doctor about whether a) you had a hiatal hernia and whether it was repaired when you were banded.

Cheers,

I also am struggling w/ left shoulder pain....My doctor also repaired My Hiatal Hernia but didnt give me any special diet instructions (other than Clear liquids for 2 weeks) What are the "special instructions" you were given if any...do you know how long this is supposed to last?

It is really interesting seeing all of the comments about the left shoulder pain. I had this for about a week or so starting the day after my surgery, but I had been warned ahead of time to expect it IF the surgeon had to also repair my hiatal hernia. Now I knew going in that I had a hiatal hernia. It was diagnosed a couple of years earlier when I was having ulcer problems.

At any rate, post-op the nurse told me that sure enough the doctors had repaired my hiatal hernia and to expect some soreness. She also told me to follow the eating plan exactly, i.e. to go slow with liquids, not eat too much or to fast, etc. I followed her instructions almost to a T and sure enough, in a few days the pain disappeared.

I have since done some more research and the link between hiatal hernia and left shoulder pain was confirmed via a couple of sources. So, if you're having it you may want to speak with your doctor about whether a) you had a hiatal hernia and whether it was repaired when you were banded.

Cheers,