banded 12/17/12. So, my surgeon ordered me to go to the ER last night, after almost a full week of sharp shooting pain on my side and left shoulder. The 1st doctor who read my upper GI blurts out "your band slipped, and is in a vertical position." After an intense panic attack and a shot of ativan comes another doctor, explaining my band did NOT slip, but that my stomach above and below the band is "very floppy" and extending out past the band (?!)...then he says I have a ridiculous amount of gas in my stomach, and that's what's causing the pain...also, based on what I've been feeling lately, I think I may be lactose intolerant...I've heard alot of people having this after lap band surgery....why?!

I have no answer to your question. I do know that when I eat to much, get to much fill, or have gas that I have horrible shoulder pain. What is the solution for your problem? Does this make the band feel tight? Do you have a hard time eating or drinking? Here I am asking you questions when your looking for answers! Lol. I'm so sorry that your in that much pain, I hope everything starts improving for you! Once you get the first few glitches out, the band really is a blessing!

Peaceful1,

Obviously your going to follow up with your surgeon asap, but my thoughts are until then, since it was confirmed you have a LOT of gas in your stomach, to try liquid or gas x strips to help relieve that issue. Have you progressed your diet to full foods (solids) now? If so, you may wish to try liquids only for a couple days to see if that will help as well. I wish you well and a speedy recovery.

First time you've heard that a lot of banded people have experienced what? Lactose intolerance? Gas? I've read a lot of posts and I don't recall a combination like this before?

Sounds like you might want to talk to your doc and definitely your nutritionist?

I'm not sure where you read that lactose intolerance is common with the Lap Band, because it's actually not true. Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough of an enzyme called lactase, which it needs to break to down dairy products during digestion. Lactose intolerance actually has nothing to do with the band or even the stomach, it all occurs in the small intestines.

I would definitely see both your surgeon and your own family doctor immediately. Your surgeon needs to know about the ER visit and all the results of it and your family doctor needs to address the issue of being lactose intolerant.

Best wishes and I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you everyone for your well wishes. Honestly, I'm more concerned about my stomach "flopping" beyond the band than anything else...I'm waiting to hear from my surgeon about this. Very frustrating.