[PSUshorti]

I tried to search through this forum for answers first but can't seem to find any answers so here goes. I just got banded on 7/24 by Dr. Christine Ren and the rest of the wonderful staff at NYU Hospital. I couldn't have selected a better facility, IMHO.

Anyways, its seven days in and I am still having gas pains, despite walking, taking my pain medicine and Gas-X with Simethicone. During the day its fine, just a slight nagging pain in the left shoulder. It at night when I am laying flat that I get those horrible shooting pains through my chest and into that darn shoulder. Does anyone have any other suggestions on alleviating that gas?

Secondly, I will be going back to work on the first day that I begin my pureed diet. I work in midtown Manhattan and I was wondering how everyone else coped with breakfast and lunch while being in the work environment. Did you bring meals with you? If so, what and if not, what types of foods did you get from restaurants around you?

Lastly (for now), I also had a hiatal hernia repaired during my lap band procedure. It hurt like **** breathing after my surgery was over. I am assuming that would be due to the surgery on my diaphragm. I am breathing much better now, with no problems but I do feel slight discomfort at times if I inhale deeply. How long does that feeling typically last?

Thanks so much for all your support! I must say that I have had such a positive experience with this site since joining back in Jan/Feb of last year when I was doing LA Weight Loss. I wish everyone the best in their weight loss struggle!

[lilybelle]

I didn't have the same type of surgery as you, but I did have a laparoscopic surgery just 12 weeks ago. The rising gas into my left shoulder made me feel like I was having a heart attack. It was terrible. I quickly learned that sleeping in a recliner, sitting up, helped to alleviate this pain. When I would lie down flat, that is when I hurt the most. Hope this helps.

[jiffypop]

psu - i'm a little concerned that you're still having pain, especially since they worked on your diaphragm. GENERALLY, this pain goes away after 3-4 days at the most. please contact your doctor and ask.

it most likely is nothing and will go away soon, but just in case - please bring it to your doc's attention.

[USAFwife]

Lately I too have started having pain in my left shoulder area. At first I (and the doc) thought it was b/c of the port a cath I had on that side. SO I had the cath removed and guess what... pain is still there. When I swallow water it feels like it goes straight to my shoulder. And at night when I breathe, (inhale more than exhale) I find THAT makes it hurt too. Then a week or so ago (at a new dr's office) I was told there is a nerve from the diaphram to the left shoulder. It develops when you're inutero... and that if you have had some manipulation on or near the diaphram, it will hurt in the left shoulder. There isn't anything to get rid of this pain, pain killers, heat or ice (I tried them all) you just have to suffer through until the diaphram heals itself.
I hope this helps... once I knew it wasn't something I was doing I felt a bit better... but yet I haven't had any abdominal surgery since MAY. I hope it goes away soon.
Hugs,
Sharmel

[kfs151]

Try a heating pad to see if it will help alleviate the pain. It's all a blur now but I think that helped!

[Della1977]

PSU am not sure about the pain, but I agree with Jiffy, you should see your doctor about it..

As for the food, am more than 4 months out (I had a different surgery than yours), and it's still a challenge to figure out what to eat at work. The good news, very little should be enough, so you won't be carrying a lot if you got your food from home. I bought tiny tupperware and brought my own food. I also stocked my desk with microwaveable soup (Campbell's soup at hand was good). Dining out is a little trickier.. but you might want to stick to soup at first (non-cream based).

Good luck on your journey

D.

[Leenie]

For some folks the gas pains could last a long time. I would suggest not sleeping on your back flat, either prop yourself up with pillows or sleep in a recliner like I did for almost 2 weeks after I was banded. I remember not feeling "normal" for about 2 weeks and yep... had lots of that shoulder gas.

I returned to work 6 weeks after surgery so I was eating solid foods by then. Bringing your food is the best thing you can do for yourself. At this stage you really don't want to depend on anyplace having the foods you need/can eat. Keep some protien shakes at your desk for emergencies.

Everyone reacts differently to surgery. I know some people who, after band surgery went shopping the next day... wholey crud... I couldn't even sit in my car until day 5. I was hurtin. So you see its really an individual thing.

Good luck to you and good luck at work. Let us know how your doing.

One last thing... Give your doc a call and see what he/she says

[magi]

I'm a real estate agent so I'm in my car a lot. I've learned to keep food stashed everywhere..even in my car. Those tuna and chicken lunches to go work well.