Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Frustrated About Tomorrows Fill.



Recommended Posts

I had lap band surgery in January. Since then I have had 2 fills and I will have my 3rd one in the morning. I have 5cc in a 10cc band and so far I have felt no restrictions, no sliming or getting things stuck like alot of people I have heard on here. That part is good, but I am also able to eat pretty much whatever. Not that I do most of the time, but according to my doctor I should only be able to eat a half cup of food and no more than a cup. If I eat a half cup, I am starving in an hour, so most of the time it is a cup of food. Now saying that, I have consistantly lost weight each week and have now hit 40#'s. The problem is, since surgery I have had shoulder pain.

At first they said it was due to gas from the surgery, then after a month I was told I was probably eating too fast or too much or maybe I had laid funny in surgery and now 3 months out, it doesn't matter if I eat at all. It will keep me up at night or be there in the morning before I eat anything. Yesterday I felt the burning in my shoulder all day. All I had to eat was Decaf coffee with Protein mix for Breakast. 1/2 cup of very fine minced up chicken salad for lunch and then I had a weight watcher cheese stick to hold me over until after the Lap Band meeting and dinner I had 1/2 cup tuna salad, thinking maybe if I went down to 1/2 cup would help.

All day my shoulder was burning and it still is this morning. I work in an office all day, so I know I haven't hurt anything lifting. I even bought a special chair in case it was because of that. The RN is not sure whats wrong and now seems to think I may have too much fill and may decide to take some out tomorrow. That worries me, because obviously I feel no restrictions, never have except right out of surgery. That is why I am frustrated.

I told them about reading that sometimes a nerve in the diaphram can cause pain if the band rubs against it too much and he had never heard of that.

I'd like to hear from any of you, if it still sounds like I am too full of Fluid or not? And if not, what are your suggestions? I have also questioned if the band had moved or flipped, because last fill he kept hitting something hard, missing it every time until he pulled out the ultrasound machine to find the right spot. When I feel my stomach it is no longe a flat port spot, but more of a hard bubble, like the back side of the port, which would explain why it seemed as if he was hitting plastic or metal, but the RN in charge of the program says it could have been scar tissue causing trouble getting to it to. Scar tissue shouldn't sound like metal, I wouldn't think:(

Frustrated!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have read of several people who have experienced the shoulder pain. I have read that it is related to the band. There used to be someone on this site that had a lot of trouble with it and her Dr's did link it to the band. Can you do a search of this site, maybe you could find some info out that way.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have found quite a bit, but trying to get my doctor and the ladies at the clinic to get it out of their mind for a minute, that it isn't always about the amount of food I eat thats causing the problem . It's like they don't want to find fault in the band, just the person and thats whats frustrating. Especially since I loose every week and work really hard at eating healthy.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There are a few people on this forum that have had problems, i think itsd called the Vegas Nerve so look it up here or google it, i would have thought that if something had happened to your port the ultrasound would have picked that up on your last fill, see what happens this time and insist they check the band again after all u are paying for the service :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ha! yeah, I have noticed when I have had issues it is always something "I'm doing wrong" couldn't be a problem with the band. Good Luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I also have the pain in the left shoulder. Im due for my 1st fill next week so. I'm concerned about it. I have a left shoulder injury so I think that isn't helping any. I plan on getting a massage on that shoulder again. A deep muscle massage would feel Soooo good when it's aching, actually a knife might feel good too, not for real but the thought has crossed my mind.

My pain doesnt have rhyme or reason either. It does feel better when I burp so it might be gas. Gas x do not work. My shoulder also feels bruised all the time

I'm still trying the massage for it. Can't pass up a reason for a massage :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If she thinks you are too tight and you feel no restriction, request an upper GI to check how open the stoma is. I had mine done and it showed that she was able to give me another fill. I was happy because she thought I was tight enough and I don't have much restriction and can still eat alot at one sitting. I def eat more than 1/2 cup that's for sure. But I do count my calories to keep myself on track. though I am first to admit it has been a struggle lately!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I also have the pain in the left shoulder. Im due for my 1st fill next week so. I'm concerned about it. I have a left shoulder injury so I think that isn't helping any. I plan on getting a massage on that shoulder again. A deep muscle massage would feel Soooo good when it's aching' date=' actually a knife might feel good too, not for real but the thought has crossed my mind.

My pain doesnt have rhyme or reason either. It does feel better when I burp so it might be gas. Gas x do not work. My shoulder also feels bruised all the time

I'm still trying the massage for it. Can't pass up a reason for a massage <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />[/quote']

My massage REALLy helped my shoulder pain. Deep muscle took out the knots and the new pains didn't hurt as bad. I so glad I tried it

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi, i'm preop and my Dr. office gave me a book to read called The Lap-Band Solution, written by Paul O'Brien MD. I have been reading it and come across a section talking about pain after surgery. It says pain in the left shoulder area is common, it is referred pain coming from the diagphargm (large sheet of muscle separating the heart, chest and lungs from abdomen). It is called referred pain because although it comes from diagphargm the brain interprets it coming from the left shoulder. It can last days- weeks after surgery. It is uknown why this occurs, and is unprdictable. Here are some things that may help: hot packs to shoulder, stand up or sit upright, rest quitly for 10 minutes, walk, peppermint tea.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×