Hi all,

I had a gastric band fitted in 2013 and initially did quite well with it losing about 100 lbs. Unfortunately, then I was naughty and portion sizes crept up, fatty foods became more prevalent and last year I was advised to have an MGB. It was delayed due to Covid but eventually got my date about a month ago. My surgery was 19th November so I'm only 2 weeks post op. I had the band removed and the conversion in the same surgery. I'm not sure how normal that is? The week was pretty hellish with gas and pain and then I felt much better but I've still got severe pain on my left side (where my port used to be on the gastric band). It's not severe when I'm lying down or sitting in the recliner but moving around is still painful. I can't actually sit on a normal chair yet as it seems to pull around the top left side of me (just under my boob!). Everything else seems to be going well-I'm drinking enough and have moved onto puree today without any issues but I'm just worried that I'm still in pain. I know everyone heals at different rates but from the forums it seems that most people are feeling much less pain by now so I wondered whether it was because I had both surgeries done at the same time or whether I'm just healing a little slower.

Thanks!

Yes with the conversion surgery having the band removed and the bypass done at the same time is normal. Have you spoke to your surgeon or aftercare team about the pain you're still having? You are still only 2 weeks post-op so normal to still be tender but if the pain is severe and really causing you trouble definitely speak to the aftercare team about it and they can help you out. Don't suffer in silence!

I haven’t yet. They are due to be calling for an update after 2 weeks but I’m still waiting. I ended up having mine at a private hospital rather than an NHS one because of Covid so I think everything has got a bit mixed up (I’m in the UK). Will see how I go but good to get a response about the pain-I was getting worried! Will see how I go over the next couple of days and call if I’m no better ?