Posting here because it looks like the gall bladder thread doesn't get much response, and I am hoping for quick replies.

OK, I need to know if I should be worried about a possible gall bladder problem. I was banded 5 weeks ago. In that 5 weeks I have lost 24 of my excess 100 lbs (YEAH!). I have also started working out 5 days a week (3 cardio and 2 strength training). About a week to 10 days ago, I started noticing severe epigastral pain (right under my ribs on both sides leading toward the sternum, and at the same time, moderate pain in my mid-back. It literally feels like I am impaled on a telephone pole.

The pain comes and goes, but sometimes lasts for more than 8 hrs at a time. I don't think it is a pouch overfill situation, because I can be pain free, eat, feel fine, and then 2-3 hours later the pain comes back suddenly and acutely.

Heating pad alternating on the chest and back seems to help, but I have noticed that if I lie down while the pain is occuring I get nauseous (sp?)

At first I thought it was just either the transition from mushees to solids, although I have had "attacks" after eating VERY low fat foods as much as moderate fat foods, or muscle spasms because I am SOOOO out of shape, and am working on my strength training days with a personal trainer who is pretty rigorous, but it doesn't seem to directly correlate to my workout times either.

What do you all think?

Hum, from my experience(myself, my mom and my husband) the pain was more on the right side, not on both. What you describe sounds like what I've experienced with esophegeal spasms.

I would call your surgeon and get checked out. Whatever is going on needs to be identified.

I would call the doc - but it does sound like gall bladder to me.

I agree with the others, It does not sound like gallbladder problems to me either. Call the doc, get it checked out.

Joan B RN

Reno

Banded 3/12/07

I don't know if it is your gall bladder, but I would call my doctor right now.....don't wait ....this could be nothing, or it could be something that needs to be taken care of.....

If you take "White Oak Bark" daily, you won't get gall stones or kidney stones..it is an herb...once you get the stones, however, it will not work. It needs to be taken daily to prevent them...When you lose weight that fast, it does up your chances for gall stones...A lady at a health food store told me about it, and she said people who have suffered from stones (both kinds) and who have started taking the herb, have not had stones since...it's worth a try....I get banded in a few days and I have started taking it just in case...I do not want gall stones!! good luck!

I had my gallbladder out three weeks after my second C-Section. My symptoms started about 6 days after giving birth. I did have pain in my front abdominal area below the sternum and in my upper/mid back. More importantly, I was very nauseated and sick twice...not fun when you are cut hip to hip!!

Carla - thanks for the info on the white oak bark. I am a big kidney stone producer...I really try to superhydrate so I have been really worried about the lapband in that respect. Heading to my local health food store tomorrow for more info.