HELP

I got home from my banding procedure last night about 1130 and was able to rest from about 100 to 600 and now can't lay down or recline back in a chair without having chest and shoulder pain. Please tell me this is just gas pain and will go away. I have been able to drink but it is a little uncomfortable just under my sternum. I got the 10 cm band and that is about all I know other that I have *****tures and about a 2 in*****ision which is where I am assuming my port placement is.  Is the pain that I am having when I drink common or am I taking to big of swallows. I have tried small sips, varying temps using straws, spoons etc and haven't noticed a difference.  Thanks  Kathy

I would think that you are experiencing that wonderful gas we get from the laproscopic procedure. I wasn't too bad with this surgery but when I had my tubes tied after my last child, I thought I was having a heart attack or something. My chest and shoulder hurt so bad I couldn't hardly take it. I didn't have that much pain after my bypass though.

The drinking may just be adjusting to the new limits you'll have. I'm almost 3 months out and can just now get in 32 oz of water because it would hurt so much trying to drink. It was in the same place as you describe - right below my sternum. I still get that pressure if I eat or drink too fast, but I can at least drink closer to my daily needs. I was shocked at how little it took before I would start to feel uncomfortable. Welcome to the trial and error phase of your new life. It's all worth it though! Hope this helps some - AT

Hi Kathy!! I went though the same things that you are going through only I didn't really have any trouble drinking. The pain is more than likely a build up of gas. My chest hurt more than my shoulders but I found that the more that I rocked in our recliner, the better I felt. Also, I did not sleep lying down for the first week or so. I slept in the chair and that was only because I was too sore to lay down in any position other than on my back and thats gets really old quickly and it also made me ache more all over. The chair really worked better for me. Walking helps too but I think the best thing to do is to rock. Also, as far as the straws go, my doctor recommended that I stay away from them because you tend to swallow to much air when you drink and that only leads to more discomfort. Anyway, hope this helps you out a little. If you need anything or have a questions feel free to ask me. I am more than willing to help you in any way that I can. Take care of yourself and remember that you will be feeling better in just a few short days.

  Karen P.S. I just though of something, if you are trying to drin**** cold water or even cool water, that may be your problem. Cold water does not bother me but I remember hearing somewhere that cold water sometimes causes pain for people with the Band right after they have had the surgery. Maybe try just room temp water and see if that works for you. Good luck!!

I agree with what's already been said and I'll add that I  felt better once I started burping a few days later.  I  wasn't able to do anything but sip for 3-4 days.   Patience and walking...are the best. Amy

Thanks for the input guys, I  am adjustind and like Angie said it is just trial and error. I still have a lot of lower rib pain but it seems my incisions are high and the sternumpain but the shoulders sre getting better. I will just keep plugging along. Kathy