Left shoulder pain- causes? remedies?

I had lapband one week ago yesterday.  I keep having pain in my left shoulder.  Initially it seemed to be gas pains and other times I thought maybe an indicator of eating too much but now even after eating a 1/4 cup of food I'm getting it sometimes much later after eating sometimes right away.  I don't feel gasy otherwise. 
Anybody else have this? what causes it? What helps?

Thanks!

Your new small stomach and the post-op swelling are pressing against the diaphragm. The nerve system which serves that passes through the left shoulder. So the pain you are feeling is referred pain, caused by gas and swelling above the band.

OTC gas meds should help a bit, as should lots of walking and stretching. Try a soothing heat pad on the shoulder.

kate

I thought it was gas, interesting thats its gas pressing pn a nerve! Geesh!

I like the gas x strips...q heating pad helped too....your lucky ..i wasnt on mushies for 3 weeks after surgery...first week was clear fluids then 2 weeks of protein shakes then mushies and shakes for another week ....be careful ...your still recovering ...congrats on the band !

 Wait it out it goes away. Very paiful at times but it will subside.
wendy

Thank you very much for the feedback!  The suggestions should help.  Also I'm glad for the explanation, it always makes it easier for me if I understand the why behind it.

i still get it occasionally....i just take a gas x and it usually goes away pretty quick.
:0)

If it gets too bad you can use a muscle rub at night. Initially I had it for about two weeks post surgery.

Noel

Left shoulder pain is really referred pain. When they do surgery they fill your abdomen with CO2. That pushes on your diaphragm and it irritates a nerve. It's actually a nerve in your diaphragm that causes referred pain in your left shoulder.

Lots of walking, rocking in a rocking chair, heating pads... all help.