I can't figure out if I am getting something stuck in my band or if this pain is my gall bladder. My mom thinks it's my gall bladder. I was banded in June and since August I've started feeling intense pain in the area where my band is and it extends up to my shoulders. In the past couple of weeks I get this pain all the time. It usually happens at night. It is so intense that I start sweating and shaking. The only things I can do is walk around or sit up and take Advil. I can't lay down and it hurts to breathe. There is nothing I can do to alleviate the pain. Sometimes it lasts 30 minutes and sometimes it lasts several hours. The pain is so bad that I feel like I am going to pass out or throw up. Last week I ended up throwing up and nothing came out. But my stomach was so sore from throwing up the next day. It is an absolute nightmare whenever I have to go through this. What do you think this is?

I think if the pain is that bad you need to go see a doctor.....either your surgeon, or to the ER.

I know I need to see a doctor!!!! I spoken with my lap band doctor about it and he doesn't know what's going on. He told me to go to another doctor. He said I am either getting something stuck in the band or it's my gall bladder. I've made an appointment with a gastroenterologist last week and the soonest appointment I can get is next week. I called at least 15 doctors to see which one I can see the soonest. I am waiting for another attack so I can go to the ER. I just haven't had one since I made that appointment. Do you know what's going on? I just want to see if anybody else had experienced this while I'm waiting for my appointment just so I know what's going on.

I had a friend who'd had her gallbladder out years before & was suddenly having the same pain again. We eventually figured out it was the extra strength tylenol, she was taking, that was causing the pain. It probably damaged her stomach. There may have never been anything wrong with her gallbladder.

I think most pain killers can cause stomach damage. I got an ulcer from tylenol & the post-banding pain meds caused me brutal pain on day 5 & 6 after surgery.

I know I need to see a doctor!!!! I spoken with my lap band doctor about it and he doesn't know what's going on. He told me to go to another doctor. He said I am either getting something stuck in the band or it's my gall bladder. I've made an appointment with a gastroenterologist last week and the soonest appointment I can get is next week. I called at least 15 doctors to see which one I can see the soonest. I am waiting for another attack so I can go to the ER. I just haven't had one since I made that appointment. Do you know what's going on? I just want to see if anybody else had experienced this while I'm waiting for my appointment just so I know what's going on.

Sorry Ryansgirl. I've never had anything like what you're describing!

you should have an ekg too to check out your heart. if I had that kind of pain I'd go to the er. get well soon. sara

Those definitely sound like a gallbladder attack. Eat something really high in fat...it should spark an attack and you can go to the ER. If you have stones they will usually inflame your pancreas and they can tell that from a simple blood test.

Can you tell I had that experience?

I can't figure out if I am getting something stuck in my band or if this pain is my gall bladder. My mom thinks it's my gall bladder. I was banded in June and since August I've started feeling intense pain in the area where my band is and it extends up to my shoulders. In the past couple of weeks I get this pain all the time. It usually happens at night. It is so intense that I start sweating and shaking. The only things I can do is walk around or sit up and take Advil. I can't lay down and it hurts to breathe. There is nothing I can do to alleviate the pain. Sometimes it lasts 30 minutes and sometimes it lasts several hours. The pain is so bad that I feel like I am going to pass out or throw up. Last week I ended up throwing up and nothing came out. But my stomach was so sore from throwing up the next day. It is an absolute nightmare whenever I have to go through this. What do you think this is?

Also could be some reflux issues and an irritated esophagus. Avoid NSAIDS (advil) they will eat you up inside and make it worse.

I am surprised that your lapband doc is having you see someone else... seems like it should be in his specialty to investigate your symptoms. My surgeon does endoscopies and would order testing himself. If you need your gallbladder out, wouldn't he be the one to do it?!?!?!? I mean, he put the band in!

I went to the doctor and got the barium live x-ray test and a sonogram. I had my follow up appointment today and I have gall stones. The doctor told me that I need to get my gall bladder taken out and I can't just live with it. The stones will keep on coming back. I'm happy and scared at the same time. I'm happy because I finally know what's wrong, but I'm scared because I don't want another surgery. I had an easy time through my lap band surgery, I just don't want to go through it again. But, at least I won't have to go through this horrible pain after my gall bladder is taken out.

Glad to hear you have an answer to your symptoms!!!! You will feel so much better when its over... Take care!