Hi,

I had my band removed today. After the removal, both of my shoulders are in horrific pain. The shoulder pain is worse than the stomach pain. First of all, how can I relieve this pain and second, what is this caused from and how long will it last?

p.s. I'm taking pain pills but the shoulders still hurt and I'm using the heating pad.

Thank you!!!

Sherri

Hi,

I had my band removed today. After the removal, both of my shoulders are in horrific pain. The shoulder pain is worse than the stomach pain. First of all, how can I relieve this pain and second, what is this caused from and how long will it last?

p.s. I'm taking pain pills but the shoulders still hurt and I'm using the heating pad.

Thank you!!!

Sherri

I am still preop so don't hold me to this. But I have heard that the shoulder pain is from the gas that they fill up your belly with to do the surgery. From what I have been reading, the only real cure for it is to walk and walk some more. I have had several orthopedic and eye surgeries. I have often wondered if the some of the pain you have post op is from being lifted carelessly from guerny to guerny when you are asleep. I know things have improved greatly over the years. Overall, I have received very good care from the medical profession. Just a thought and maybe the nurses on the forum would know better than I.

At any rate,I hope you feel better real soon. Take good care of yourself.

Melinda

You are right. They pump the body full of gas to distend it and make it easier to see & work. After surgery they try to pump as much out as possible but some often remains trapped. This puts pressure on various nerves and is often felt in the shoulder. Remedies for gas don't work as the gas is not in the digestive system. The pain killers that you were prescribed for after surgery should help though.

Do you know how long it typically takes for the gas to either be absorbed in the body or dissipate?

You are right. They pump the body full of gas to distend it and make it easier to see & work. After surgery they try to pump as much out as possible but some often remains trapped. This puts pressure on various nerves and is often felt in the shoulder. Remedies for gas don't work as the gas is not in the digestive system. The pain killers that you were prescribed for after surgery should help though.