Feeling like someone is standing on my chest

[LapNYC 3]

I'm three days post-op. Is this normal? It's not about drinking really. It's constant pressure and it really hurts to take a breath, never mind the deep, post anesthesia ones that you're supposed to take.

[heidi05 6]

I'm three days post-op. Is this normal? It's not about drinking really. It's constant pressure and it really hurts to take a breath, never mind the deep, post anesthesia ones that you're supposed to take.

hi your body is still getting used to the band the breathing thing is that when you are operated on they pump gas so they can see the area they need to work on this gas collects under your diaphram which is under your boob area this causes pressure up wards, keep walking and moving around this will pass,. the more you move around the quicker it will pass. i had exactly the saem problem straight after surgery for a week or maybe a bit longer but it will pass. just keep taking small sips if the preasure feels bad, you dont want to get constipated on top of it.

[MissMelissa 0]

Yep this is normal. They didn't give you one of those things you breath into to practice your breaths. I have no clue what the name of it is but you have to practice keep the little ball between the lines. It is suppose to help.

Banded 1/26/2010

[fourme 0]

Coming from a medical standpoint I think you should call your MD this could be a post surgical complication and should be followed up on!

[oceancity4me 0]

Its called a spirometer. It will help. It is totally normal. I went through it as well. It will get better. Hang in there.

[erinrutledge 0]

i got one of those breathing things and i do it several times an hour, it really seems to help. walking around and then doing those breathing exercises has helped a lot with the gas pains and my lungs

[fourme 0]

OK guys it is never normal to feel like someone is standing on your chest or not to be able to take a deep breath. The can be one of several post op complications including a pulmonary embolism, so please f/u with your MD. If it is nothing great but you need to be able to take a deep breath to open up your lungs and to prevent pneumonia! If you can't inflate your lower lobes of your lungs, they are dark moist and wet, this is just setting you up for a complication. Please call your MD.

[LapNYC 3]

Thanks for your advice. I guess I wasn't feeling too alarmed because it seemed like a continuation (albeit way milder) of the more diffuse but intense gas pains I felt in my chest and shoulder on the first day. Maybe I'll give it one more day and then call my doctor? The instructions I received said that I'd be getting one of those incentive spirometer thingies after surgery but I received little to no attention in the hospital, so I think they forgot. Won't they feel bad if I have a pulmonary embolism! Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it!