Question:
It hurts!

I had surgery 7/29/09. I had been doing well untill this week. I think I must have pushed real hard or strained to hard, but I have this awful pain on the right side of my belly button. It hurts to walk, sit, cough, lauhg and more. I didn't have this pain before. I went to the doctor on Thursday and he said I must have torn a muscle incision. He gave me Lortab Elx but it's not working. Now all I want to do do is sit or lay down. I started to be real active there for a while. Has anyone had this pain. I called the Dr. again but he said the same thing. Please let me know if anyone has had this pain. Thanks.    — alwaysalex (posted on August 22, 2009)

August 22, 2009
I could have written this myself, with a few alterations. I had been doing GREAT. Had my lap band surgery 7/24/09. But beginning this week, I've had this awful pain in my belly. It feels like it's the upper right abdomen, but then when I actually probe around, I discover it is indeed to the upper right of the belly button. Not only that, but I can FEEL THE BAND! If that's not the band,there's something else really hard just THERE! My husband (a surgeon) said it could be scar tissue. I really think it's the band. I will call my surgeon on Monday. He is always extremely busy. I have an appt. to get my first fill on the 27th. But I want him to resolve what's going on with this before giving me a fill as that would only make it worse. I too am taking Lortab and it does nothing for this pain and discomfort. I don't know about you, but we're getting ready to re-enter the insanity of back-to-school life. Handling that when all you want to do is sit or lie down to get through the pain won't be our best chance for success. Please keep us posted on what you learn and we will do the same.m
   — myadele

August 22, 2009
I had a pain on my right side just above the large incision (I had lap rny) and not only this horrible pain, the only way to describe the pain was I was in Alien and I had an alien baby in my abdomin trying to get out!!!! but I also had a lump that fit into my hand.. I went to the Dr about it and even had a CT scan (my dr wanted to make sure that nothing was wrong - he said he doubted it but wanted to play it safe since the pain started for my about a week out, right after my post surgery appt). My dr gave me more Dilaudid and told me to be careful how I get up and sit down (use my arms and legs more).... well about a week later the pain was completely gone and the bump is gone too!!!! Keep your walking up (blood clots are NOT your friend) but other than that take it easy.... Hope you are feeling better soon!!!!
   — wendy-s

August 23, 2009
OMG, the gal that said she felt like she had an alien in her tummy sounds just like me. I asked my Dr. he said it is normal.
   — FSUMom

August 23, 2009
I haven't had WLS yet, but that is the area where I get pain when I get a gallbladder attack.
   — Janell C.

August 24, 2009
I was banded in December 08 and luckily had no pain. It sounds like it may be your gallbladder; however I would call your surgeon again. If the pain continues or intensifies I would keep calling until he sees you or runs some tests. I know scar tissue can cause some pain, but I wouldn't think you'd have scar tissue pain this early if you were recently banded. Have you tried using a heating pad? I was told to use a heating pad if I had pain. I would also slow down some and take it easy with the exercise & cleaning (I know, darn!). I hope you feel better soon!
   — Krisican2