Question:
Intense pain on left side after eating

I am almost 5 years post op from lap RNY. I have been doing okay except over the last year I have gained about 19 lbs but I am working on taking that back off. However, the last 2 weeks I have had several times where I eat something and then have the most intense pain on my lower left side just under my rib cage and it lasts for about 30 minutes or so and then goes away. I have already had my gallbladder removed 4 years ago and besides that is on the right side anyweay. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. I had a referral to so a GI doctor but I could never get the time off from work for the appointment so the referral has expired and I really don't wnt to go back to the doctor unless I really have to. Any thoughts or ideas on what could be casuing the pain?    — KittyKatt (posted on May 21, 2008)

May 21, 2008
You really need to see a dr. It could be a lot of things. If it is any consulation to you I gained back some weight after 5 years myself and it took me 3 years to get it off. I am 9 years post op and when the weight starts coming back on is hard to get it off. I got mine off after 3 years of fighting and lost more than what I put on. I find 5 years is the point where your body is comfortable and we start eating more freely. I now follow the diet I followed before and I stay on a diet.
   — nascar_angel_3_2003

May 21, 2008
I have had a simular pain after eating. My sergeon suggested I try softer food or even puree foods for a meal or two and see if it happened. I did this about 6 times with no pain, so he felt that I was eating meats that were not chewed enought. I now focus on better meat quality and chewing at least 50 times a bit and it does not come back. However, I went to my siters and she had steaks for a bar-b-q from Sam's club, and I got the paid, and it lasted for nearly 6 hours. I even started salavating and spitting it out butr I could not cough up anything. Finally it passed, so I am convinced that it is the meats, and better grades like filet do not give you as much trouble. Best of success to you.
   — William (Bill) wmil

May 21, 2008
Good Morning....I recently had a problem with this type of pain as well....It was on the left side right under my breast bone....When the doctor first checked me out he said the pain was rigth around the area of my stomach....He gave me Vicaden for pain because my pain got to the point that it had me doubled over at times and I had trouble sleeping....It would occur when I ate but it also occured when I wasn't eating....I had times of nausa and vomiting....I am 8 years post-op and I have also gained weight back, about 40 lbs....At the time the pain started I was in the process of losing the weight, I lost about 20lbs but the pain got so bad that I couldn't do any exercising....I had every test done possible, I had X-Rays taken, an Ultasound, a CAT Scan and I did have and Upper GI done....All of that and no one could find anything wrong....Around the third week or so in April the doctor who did my GI changed the medication I was on....I had started taking 800 MG of Motrin because I couldn't function properly on the Vicaden....He put me on Relifen, it's an anti-inflammatory medication....I took t for about 2 weeks straingt and the pain went away....I have not been on any medication for about 5 weeks now....I'm glad the pain is gone but it still bothers me that no one could find anything and tell me what was wrong....Hope your feeling better....Joyce
   — jboogie4166

May 22, 2008
Hi, You may have an ulcer. I had pain for a few years right below my left breast (where my new stomach is now). Turns out I have an ulcer. I kept complaining about pain, but I wasn't taken seriously. Until I moved and a new Dr. checked me out. Ask your Dr. about the possibility of you having an ulcer. Good luck... Pam
   — Pamela C.

May 22, 2008
You *really* need to see someone about this. Intense pain lasting two weeks (even if intermittent) needs to be check out by a doctor. Most of us on OH not doctors... and even if we were, it'd be very difficult to diagnose and suggest treatment over the internet, without examining you or knowing your medical history. If you can't go to the GI doc, at least make an appointment with your PCP... please. Best wishes.
   — mrsidknee

May 23, 2008
I'm 6 1/2 months out and have lost 96 lbs & 78". I've been experiencing pain in my lower left side since 02-08. I went to the ER and after xrays and CT scan I was told I had kidney stones and that that explained my pain.(per the ER doctor) The stones passed by 04-08 and the pain is still there. 05-05-08 was my 6 month anniversary appointment with my RNY surgeon and he said it could be some diverticulitis, (which is an infection of the diverticuli in the intestines) but said I need to schedule a consult with a GI doctor and get a procedure done called a colonoscopy. I have it scheduled for 06-04-08. I have pain whether I eat meat or not. I chew my food really good especially since 3 or 4 spoonfuls fills me up. I also wait 5 or 6 mins between each bite and never drink anything while I eat my food. Try to make the appointment to see the GI doctor, get another referral, and please keep the appointment so you can find out exactally what it is. I'll try and remember to post my results when I get them, but please see a doctor. You are the only you that you have! And you had the surgery so you could get healthy, right? Hope you fell better real soon my friend!
   — susanwatkins