Hi,

I'm three and a half months out, never had bad shoulder pain before, even immediately post-op, and now for the last three days I'm having bad pain in my left shoulder that definitely feels like gas. I can feel it moving around and stabbing me all over my left shoulder, but mostly it just stays there making it hurt constantly. When I get into the position with my head down and my butt up, I can feel it all moving down and some of it comes out (sorry to be gross) however, when I stand up again I've gotten no relief. Is this normal??? It really hurts! Why three and a half months later would this be happening? I've tried gas-x and it didn't do anything. Help!

I dont know why this is happening to you three months post op, however I was warned about shoulder pain. I was just banded yesterday and prior to going to the OR the anesthesiologist told be to expect shoulder pain because during the surgery they ultimately irratate the diaphram. The pain you feel is not necessarily gas, but it is a result of something irritating the diaphram.

When the diaphram is hurt, it reveals itself in chest and should pain. You dont feel the diaphram at all, just pain in the shoulder. My anesthesia guy said it sometimes can get bad and mimic the feelings of a heartattack.

I would call the MD and see if there is something wrong. Maybe you pulled a muscle or something like coughing, sneezing, laughing, PB-ing irratated the diaphram.....not much help I know, just passing along what was told to me.

http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=16691 Here is a thread that discusses Shoulder pain: Looking for theories.

I am 8 months have had the occasional shoulder pain, some worse than others. This is what I've noticed....Instead of hunger pains, I get should pains (eating immediately helps). Also, sometimes stress will give me this sensation. It is always on my left side and has NEVER occured prior to banding.

Good luck Sunta. Shawn

I also get shoulder pain. It happens jus about every day. Sometimes laying on my left side makes it go away. But most of the time I just have to deal with it. I have tryed meds and nothing helps. Sorry your having this. I know it is very painfull at times. Good luck and hopefully it will go away soon.

I am 10 months post op, and STILL have left shoulder pain! Like you, I had no shoulder pain immediately after surgery. Thought I was "lucky" and thanked my lucky stars. But it gradually crept up on me. My doctor is perplexed, and cannot give a reason. A few things I've noticed: it rarely happens on weekends. Why? Cause I nibble more often, meaning my pouch is rarely completely empty. I mainly get it at school (I'm a teacher) right before lunch time - At this point, I've gone 5 hours without eating, and "my shoulder" isn't happy. (I know it is referred diaghram pain). If I lay on my left shoulder, I can feel major "movement" of the pain. Sounds and gurgles - and yes, ultimately it leaves. Makes me feel so much better, but only briefly. I have accepted it. Not sure what else I can do. Certainly can be frustrating. Another "how-is-this-related" problem I'm having is that sometimes it gets better after a fill. WHY would this be? I can't explain it. Frustrating. I'll live with it.

I don't know why your shoulder pain is persistant, and why you can't get any releif from it for now, but I'm nearly 2 years out and still get it every now and then.

For me, it's usually when I've gone WAY too long without eating, or have over eaten a little bit. But then again sometimes it's a bit random too...

Have you tried any tylenol, or a heating pad?

I had it so bad after surgery, it actually made me cry. I had it for around 3 weeks, and then this week its kicked in again...whats that all about, really uncomfortable and annoying.

angie

I'm so sorry you are having the shoulder pain... I had that pain almost constantly when I was filled past 1cc and it was especially bad when I was hungry. I learned to keep something with me that I could nibble on as getting something into my pouch was the only way I could get relief. I am now at 1cc and the only time I have the shoulder pain is when I have gone much to long without eating.