Question:
Shoulder pain after Lap Band

I had Lap Band surgery on Tuesday and the pain in my shoulder is so bad. The pain pills only last 2 to 3 hours but can only have them every 6 hours, how long does this last??????    — rondasue42 (posted on January 2, 2010)

January 2, 2010
I'm surprised they gave you pills??? My doc gave me the liquid pain killer..I would definately check on that. As far as the shoulder pain goes, it's from the gas they blow you up with to get access to your tummy. Walking frequently for 20 minutes a time should help, use a heating pad, and you might even try gas x strips (I used baby gas drops and it did help I think). Hope you feel better really soon! I just got banded last Monday, so I understand...my pain was more in my chest area though and is almost gone. Hang in there - after the 2nd day, things should improve significantly!
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 2, 2010
I didn't have lap band but I also think it sounds like gas. I used a heating pad. For me the heating pad worked quicker and better than any other method. Good luck.
   — Caribou ME

January 2, 2010
I wouldn't recommend doing this without your doctor's permission but I altered my pain med schedule. I had a liquid with a prescribed dose of 10ml every 4 hours. I consulted with my clinic and changed the dose to 5ml every 3 hours and getting a dose 1 hour early even if it was a half dose worked perfectly for me to combat the pain. I would also check on the pill situation. Maybe you are crushing? If the pain meds they gave you aren't working let them know, there are other options available, not all pain meds work for all people, you shouldn't have to be in pain.
   — Sa-ruh

January 2, 2010
i also had a horrible pain in my left shoulder a few days after surgery.someone said it was prob gas as the 1st poster said.i too had pain pills but they didn't work.i took Gas x and in about 10 minutes the pain was history.best wishes and hope this works.
   — carolyn1970

January 2, 2010
The shoulder pain is gas. I had it for a couple weeks at least. I slept with my head elevated and it also helped putting my arm up over my head. Not much else you can do except let it pass!!
   — Char-Ree C.

January 2, 2010
I was told it was the air they pump into your stomach during surgery. They do that to move it away from the liver to do the surgery and it takes time for the air to move out. Some is gas and it is painful but will go away.
   — postalmoose

January 3, 2010
I had the pain, too, but mine was right when I was waking up from surgery. They said it was from the gas, like everyone else mentions, but it was SO bad, they thought my lung may have collapsed and did some xrays. Thankfully, it passed, and I really didn't have much pain after that. I have heard others say it should subside in a week or so. Hang in there!
   — Melissa C.

January 3, 2010
I had a RNY last Wednesday, and still have that left shoulder pain. I seem to feel better lying down - it almost seems to go away completely, but comes back when I stand up. Have you tried visualization therapy? That seems to help (I'm in the same boat - tylenol only works for so many hours, then it's painful again and not time for meds yet). Here's to hoping you feel better soon! Thanks to all who suggested the heating pad - that seems worth a try :-)
   — emily2009