Gastric Band Surgery Pain

With all surgery you may have to expect to experience some type of pain, as your body will have to adjust to the band that is being placed around the stomach. It is only natural that you may experience some side effects which can cause you pain. Many patients ask their surgeon how much pain they will be in after surgery, this is difficult for most surgeons to answer as it very much varies from patient to patient.  Most patients do experience some pain, which is to be expected after any surgery.  This pain is usually mild to moderate pain rather than severe or chronic pain.  Many patients describe feeling as if they have been punched in the stomach or done a hundred sit-ups.  The pain should lessen in the days after surgery.   However many patients have some type of pain control so they are able to walk around and move more freely. 

Some discomfort is normal a few weeks after the surgery, even some swelling.  It is important to report anything that feels wrong and get it checked out as pain could be a sign of a complication.  Serious complications post surgery lead to severe pain which is hard to ignore, however some low level pain can be a symptom of a slippage or small leak.  This is why the post check up appointments are so important.  Do not be afraid to mention any pain or discomfort you are experiencing, as the surgeon will want to ensure you are not in too much pain.  Your pain control can be adjusted to help you move more easily if pain is preventing you from being mobile. 


Types Of Pain

You may experience abdominal pain caused again by the placing of the band, you could also experience slight pain in your left shoulder, caused by trapped gas again from the placing of the Gastric band.  You will however be in hospital whilst this pain emerges, meaning you have access to pain relief.  The main pain you will feel is post-operative pain; this will take a few days to pass as your body will need to heal.  Once you come around from the surgery, you will have a drip inserted into your arm which will assist with the deliverance of fluids into your body. This may cause you some mild discomfort, but again you will be within a hospital environment, so will have access to any pain relief the nurses think relevant.

Problems with the Band

Many patients are worried about things going wrong with their band immediately after surgery and the pain they could be in.  It is possible to have a reaction to your band or for some slippage to occur, however this is generally rare.  Adjustments are also part of having a lap band in the first years after surgery and many patients think these may be painful.  The adjustments should not be painful, it should be the same pain as any needle entering the skin.  Some patients ask about the removal of the band, if this is difficult and if it will be very painful afterwards.  The lap band can be removed, however it is designed to be fitted for life.  One of the advantages of the surgery is that it is reversible and should it be necessary the lap band can be removed.  Removal means surgery, which will result in some pain however this should be low to moderate.  As with the implanting of the band the stomach area will be tender for a few weeks after surgery and activities like bending and stretching maybe painful for the immediate period after surgery.  The body should heal in a few months and you no longer should experience any pain. 

Advice

The nurse and surgeon will give you advice on how to deal with any pain you may have, and they will offer you guidance on how to reduce any pain occurring. You will for the first 24 hours only be allowed water, due to the swelling of your stomach, you will be given advice on how much to eat and drink when you are discharged from the hospital. Again this advice is to reduce any complications and pain that may be caused by excessive eating.

Side Effects Which May Cause Pain Due to a Gastric Band

These include Nausea, Diarrhoea, constipation, and Acid reflux, although not necessarily causing pain, they may cause you some discomfort after the operation. This discomfort is typical and can be expected in just over 50% of patients who receive the surgery, however these should come in small bouts and should last no longer than 3 hours at a time. If you experience Abdominal pain for a sufficient amount of time, over a few hours, you should endeavour to see a GP immediately.

Pain Relief

In the first 24 hours following your surgery, you will be prescribed paing relief whilst in the hospital. Once you have been discharged from the hospital you will be able to take over the counter pain relief. You will also be required to stick to specific diets until your stomach becomes used to the band which has been fitted, you will need to follow the guidance given to reduce the risk of any pain after the procedure.

When to Seek Advice

If you feel that your body is taking longer to heal than normal and that you are still in some pain, you should mention this to your surgeon during the aftercare appointments.  Some patients will heal more rapidly than others so it is important not to compare your recovery with other patients.  Most patients are not experiencing pain after around two months after surgery, but this will vary.  The pain should only be low level and noticed when you bend or stretch the belly area.  Patients can experience pain in connection with other side effects such as diarrhea, bloating which can be a results of dumping syndrome.  There is a difference between the pain of the surgery, which is like a soreness and other types of pain.  Generally dumping syndrome will only occur if you eat the wrong types of food, those high in fat and sugar.  If you are experiencing any side effects such as constipation, stomach acid, bloating you should report these symptoms to your doctor. 

« Recovery after Gastric Band (Lap Band) Surgery Gastric Banding (Lap Band) Risks & Side Effects »