Has anyone else experienced long enduring back pain with the band? If so, please describe your symptoms. A short history. A short (attempted) treatment list.

(Please stay on topic in this thread)

Within a week of getting my band put in, I developed a severe upper/middle back pain on the same side as my port (left side). Initially I was told that this was from the surgical gasses used, then i was told that it was gas pains.

2 months later, I developed gallstones and had my gallbladder removed. "Ahhhh, gallstone pain gone, but back pain persists!"

Then my diagnoses was kidney stones, my surgeon slaps me with a 2 month supply of vicoden. It helps a little.

It is suggested that I see a back surgeon. I'm told that I have muscle spasms of unknown origin, I am given muscle relaxants, they help much more than vicoden. I am also given a list of back and abdominal exercises and stretches. I continue these for approximately 1.5 years, no relief.

I see another back surgeon, same diagnosis. He tries to give me the same routine, but I tell him of my diligence in exercises/stretches, so he starts giving me several scripts for different muscle relaxants, they help a little.

One month later a chiropractor who works with the first back surgeon for rehabilitation. He is puzzled as to what causes this problem, yet, he does relieve some of my other back pain, which seems to be caused by the muscle spasm.

All while the above is happening, I go from 315 pounds down to 230, but at the level of restriction that is required to maintain that weight, I notice my health slipping. I start eating a diet that consists mostly of Protein shakes, Fiber drinks, and junk food; as most wholesome foods make me vomit.

Also, the extreme gas that comes from not being able to burp is becoming extremely limiting to life in modern society. It is IMPOSSIBLE to sit for more than 45 minutes without having a large volume of flatulence, something that simply cannot be had in the college classroom.

I am then unfilled to the point of zero fill. 6 months go by, I gain 40 pounds back, I have gas, but not obscene levels. I can now go as long as two hours without rupturing my pants.

But the inital backpain still persists, and I am now seeking out a surgeon for removal.

My lapband was put in two weeks ago. Since that time, I've had shoulder/upper back pain on my left side that feels similar to the pains caused by gas trapped inside my body. These pains are ONLY on my left side (same as port side).

I also noticed that I get these pains much more frequently right after I eat. I have no idea why. The really make me feel like crap--after I get these pains, all I want to do is sit or lay down and not move.

I had horrible back pain for about 4 weeks after my surgery. Swore I couldn't live like that and would have to have band removed rather than live with daily back pain. Thank God it went away all by itself after 4 weeks. It must have been part of the healing process or something. Hope yours goes away too.

I have chronic back pain (for about 3 yrs). It was usually lower so when it started to occur in mid to upper back I just figured it was due to my condition. However, the pain intensified and I was put on lots of vicodin and soma (muscle relaxers). They help. I went through physical therapy twice, multi visits to a chiropractor, and accupuncture. Mainly, I just think taking vicodin on a regular basis is good for me or my "pouch". Then I got sick from the band being too tight. I got a total unfill and the upper/mid back pain just about ceased entirely. I haven't even taken pain meds for a few days now and thats a first for me for quite some time.

How is your food consumption?

Now I have 3cc's less on my latest fill and not as much restriction so I'll have to wait and see how this works out. Having too much restriction isn't good either. I am 25 pounds away from goal so for now I'm going to try to get some exercise in and eat like the doc advised me too.

tztmama,

Here is Anthony's updated status...

http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=20029

I also had those back pains and pains along my left side that felt as if I had went running and exhausted myself, but about a month after surgery, those pains went away. In a few more weeks I'll be getting my first fill and I'm worried that those pains might come back. I'm crossing my fingers taht they won't...

My doc said it's very common to experience "referred pain" in the shoulder which is actually in the diaphragm, or the back. It will ease then pass.Mine was gone by day 6.

i have muscle spasms so bad it pulls my head back and to the side. all of the pain thou is in my neck. Is this the type of pain you were feeling.

I had lap band surgery in March of 2008. During that first year I began having back pain in the upper right back. Didn't think much about it, but it progressively has gotten worse. In the last couple of years I have been to doctor after doctor. I've had xrays, cat scan, mri and bone scan. Nothing shows except some arthritis in lower back and scoliosis. The pain is not constant. It comes and goes. But it hurts mostly when I am working with my arms up on the computer or desk at work and especially in the evenings when I am trying to get dinner an clean up afterwards. I have also done physical therapy with core strengthening exercises. I am at the end of my rope. My Bariatric Dr. says it is not from the band, but I still feel like it is. The dr. is trying to get an experimental transdermal cream for me to try. But even if it works to stop the pain, I still won't know what is causing it. When my band is filled I get horrible reflux to the point of not sleeping, or being able to eat or drink. When it is taken out, (even a little), the reflux goes away, but I am able to eat too much and the weight is coming back. I originally lost 120lbs. but I have gained back about 25lbs. and I don't know what to do. The back pain is very bad right now as I type this message. Thinking about having the band removed and getting the sleeve.

Edited May 19, 201412 yr by lhs4272