Is this normal?

[MaryRN66 49]

I was 'banded' 11/24 - 8 days post op now. My incisional pain is pretty well gone. My tolerance for pain is fairly high but I'm struggling with a pain that is located just under my left rib cage. I'm guessing that this is the lap band placement but it feels like it is pressing against my diaphragm muscle and it hurts when I deep breath in (when the diaphragm expands down into the abdominal cavity). It is also causing me to not be able to sleep more than a few hours at night as this pressure is constant. At first I thought it was the dreaded 'gas pains' and perhaps some of this discomfort is partly due to remaining gas from the lap. However, the discomfort I am experiencing can't be part of my forever life as it's just not tolerable. I am planning on calling my surgeon today but thought I'd ask those who have gone before me - is this NORMAL??

Thanks all.

[yaya1397 79]

I was 'banded' 11/24 - 8 days post op now. My incisional pain is pretty well gone. My tolerance for pain is fairly high but I'm struggling with a pain that is located just under my left rib cage. I'm guessing that this is the lap band placement but it feels like it is pressing against my diaphragm muscle and it hurts when I deep breath in (when the diaphragm expands down into the abdominal cavity). It is also causing me to not be able to sleep more than a few hours at night as this pressure is constant. At first I thought it was the dreaded 'gas pains' and perhaps some of this discomfort is partly due to remaining gas from the lap. However, the discomfort I am experiencing can't be part of my forever life as it's just not tolerable. I am planning on calling my surgeon today but thought I'd ask those who have gone before me - is this NORMAL??

Thanks all.

I was banded a year ago and from time to time I expirienced similar pain along with left shoulder pain but not to the point that i'm not able to sleep. I went to my surgeon and they did an upper GI and they noticed that the port tubing is really close to my left diaphragm, so specially when I over eat and I take deep breath I can feel the pain, I was told I can get another surgery to readjust the tube positioning or I can live with it. I personally don't want to go back for another surgery. So I have been watching how much I eat, so I don't get that pain. Let me know what your surgeon tells you.

[CherieRyde 227]

The port is usually placed on the left side. The sensation you are feeling is likely the area that the port is sutured to. It has to heal, and your port has to settle in. It takes a bit of time to get used to the new sensations in your body. But anything that concerns you should be brought to your surgeon's attention.

[kinserj 12]

UGH... and I had the EXACT symptoms you do. Mine felt like an overall tightness/soreness /extreme discomfort - like when I took a deep breath, or was sitting/laying in a certain position, bending over, etc. I basically felt it all the time. I discussed with my doctor and he said it's most likely a combination of trapped gas and Constipation. I was banded on 11/10 and had a hell of a time (excuse my language) going #2. I had HORRIBLE constipation. I've since taken colace and have had a MUCH better time. High Protein diets are synonymous with constipation, so it’s very important that we drink as much Water as possible. I was 3 weeks post-op yesterday and can still feel it, just not as bad. It’s DEFINITELY gotten SO much better though. I too was very concerned for a while.

My port is the lower right side of my stomach closer to my belly button as opposed to under your left rib cage. So for me, this particular ailment wasn’t port pain (though I DO have some port pain, just not there lol). Also, I know that some sleeve/bypass patients have experienced the same pain/discomfort… so I don’t think this symptom is exclusive to banded patients.

My doctor also suggested that it may be something called "splenic flexure syndrome." Essentially, gas gets trapped in the bend of the colon near the spleen (the splenic flexure). It’s more or less just gas pains that will eventually dissipate. This may sound crazy… but I found that flapping my arms, like I’m doing the chicken dance helped. I know it sounds weird, but it actually helped alleviate my discomfort/pain

But overall, if the discomfort if not manageable and is not getting better at all, I would certainly call your doctor. There’s no reason for you to be uncomfortable and in pain.

[MaryRN66 49]

Kinserj, I am DEFINITELY going to flap my arms and do the chicken Dance! LOL! I was literally laughing at my desk reading your reply but I am willing to do almost anything to help alleviate this discomfort. I called my surgeon - alas he is in surgery most of today so will update once I hear back from him.

Thank you all for your replies and encouragement. It makes it easier to deal with and not panic.

[stanpry 66]

A word of advice. Speak to your Dr. Every one is different. What caused one's problem doesn't mean that is your problem.

[kinserj 12]

Hey MaryRN66, just wanted to check in on you. How are you feeling today? Better I hope!!!

[MaryRN66 49]

Talked to my doctor and likely scarring of port site and gas pain. Advised I hold off on dairy and lo and behold MUCH better the next day and yesterday when I abstained. Thinking that I might have to work around dairy for a while as I continue to heal. Using a heated pack (old style 'hot Water bottle') at night when I sleep over the left upper quad area works amazingly well too. Thanks for all of the encouragement and support everyone! It helped me to not panic.

Mary