Left shoulder pain + sinus issues with lapband

Hey Nic! I'm 2 weeks post op for removal and am still having chest and shoulder pain. How long did it take to go away?

I had my band out in 2005 and I still get left shoulder pain on occasion. It's not nearly as intense as when I was banded, but the Vagus nerves take a long time to heal apparently. The diaphragm is always moving since we're breathing and it affects the nerves. That's what the chronic pain clinic doc told me anyway. 

If you don't have severe damage like I do, I'm sure it will heal much better. I'm so sorry you're still having the pain, Melbc625. I hope it subsides soon. I'd say that two weeks postop it's pretty normal to still have some pain. You're still recuperating. Best of luck to you. 

It's in my chest/breast and back too. When I take deep breaths, it gets into my shoulder some. 

I would imagine that is still the gas from surgery working its way out of your system. If it persists, though, definitely get in touch with your doc and let them know. After I had my band removed, the left shoulder pain improved greatly. But then the other weird symptoms started... sneezing to the point of passing out and really painful hiccups that would last days at a time. Those lasted about a year. I thought I'd lose my marbles, honestly. 

Did you try a heating pad on your abdomen and/or your shoulder? That might help somewhat. And if you don't have an incision that is open, try stretching with your back arched like over one of those large exercise balls. It can help move the gas around. Just be careful of your surgery incisions, of course. Try the Chicken Dance- flapping your arms. It sounds ridiculous but it can help. And walking, of course. 

 

Good luck to you. I really hope you feel better soon. 

I requested to join and they said they would send me an email. I had not received anything when I checked but I will check again.

I'm on my phone right now and have trouble adding people with it. But someone will definitely add you soon.

thank you so much. Ive been on lap band talk and when anyone says anything about something going wrong, its your fault. I look forward to being added.

That site is ridiculous. It's not your fault. You know it and that's all that matters.

Hello Nic M  - It has been a while since this post, but I am hopeful you will see this.  I had a realize band placed 3 years ago with a total weight loss of only 40 pounds and now a gain of 30.  Last year I began to have muscular and joint pain.  I was tested for Lupus, Lyme, arthritis, etc...  Left last Dr. appt. feeling deflated because they said probably Fibromyalgia and sent me on my merry way.  (I now have appointment with new Dr. !!!!)  I am wondering if you or anyone has experienced these symptoms and if it can be related to the band.  Today I went to my WLS Dr. and we are talking removal.I don't think I want to try any other WLS.  I kind of feel this band is the root of all evils.  Can you shed any light?   Thank you in advance!

Hi Kristina,

 

I'm sorry you're having health issues. I do believe that the Lap-Band can cause a host  health issues other than just the "usual" erosions, slips, etc. I have heard of a number of people complaining about muscular and joint pain. Oftentimes the issues resolve after band removal. Hopefully that will be your situation. 

I also didn't have a revision... just band removal. The pain was too horrible with the band, so I wasn't willing to go through any of it again. With the band, I felt like death. After band removal, I felt like a human being again. 

My opinion is that the band is just an all around horrible idea for most people.  Our anatomy just really rebels against it being there. Best of luck with your new doctor. I hope he or she will be able to help. I'm glad you are here with us. Let me know if I can help you at all. 

Take care,
Nic