:help: I have been around for a while but i never post jsut lurk i was banded on 1-18-06 and everything seems ok so far except that i have this very tight feeling in my chest its like a vise grip sometimes and other times its very small. Is this normal after surgery? gas pains were so so but just about gone! im not hungry i try to get food down some yougert jello boost but not much i just cant with this tightness in my chest any suggestions or infor would be awsome!

michelle

My advice- call your Doc ASAP!!! It could be nothing, but don't take any chances with chest pains!!!!

Let us know!

~cheri

Michelle, slow down with your drinking. Take smaller sips. That tightness is your band telling you there's too much at once to get through the band comfortably. Don't worry, you won't always be this tight. As the swelling goes down around your band, you will be able to take bigger sips, and eventually chug with the best of them. right now, though, listen to your band telling you to slow down and take smaller sips. Start paying attention to the way your band talks to you...you'll need that info later on. Good luck!

I had this same sensation. I attributed it to gas under the diaphram. It went away in less than two weeks, but during the time I had it I was miserable. It seemed to hurt the worst when I first sat up. Anyway, it should go away soon. But as Cheri said, if it persists or is severe pain, call your doctor for your peace of mind and your well being.

I also wasnt very hungry for that first week and a half. Then suddenly I felt the swelling go down, the band around my upper chest was gone and I was starving! heh Stick to liquids for a while, get plenty of Protein for healing and you'll be feeling different in no time.

Grats on your band! Keep us posted on your progress. Everyone here loves to Celebrate with losers. *smiles*

I forgot to add...make sure you squish the jello and yogurt really well before swallowing tiny liquified bits. that should help. I PB'd jello skin on day 5 post-op and it was awful. Hurt like the dickens. Don't do that!! good luck!

not sure if im replying right we will see but i called the dr and he said the same thing that it was gas under diaphram told me to take extra gas ex which i have and out a heatin gpad on my chest which i did and boy am i tooting LOL and its claming down a bit he also gave me his home phone # in case it didnt feel any better ! Thank you for your post i love it here i check in every day and have for a while now jsut reading the post and the answers has helped me thru the pre and the post of this journey! TY TY TY !!

michelle

i dont know about gas, what the best me said sounds like my experience

Depends on how tight. You have to realize the band is up pretty far and it is "tightened" around your esophagus. It may just be that your body is getting used to this and the swelling is going down so you can really feel it. Has your doc said anything otherwise.

Ok so its a few days after and the tightness is GONE! guess it was just gas im doing good had my first real food i had cream of wheat but i could only eat about half of it i dont know if its that im not hungry or im scared to eat ! i was on post op diet 2 times first time i made it to day 9 and my operation was moved so i had to do it again cause it was a few weeks later . i am drinking my protien weyh stuff but i have to make it warm or it taste gross

thank you for all your support and replies !

michelle

I've added a similar post under a different topic. But I thought I'd add here too. I am desperate for help.

I was banded on Tuesday, and felt horrible the next day - nauseas, tight, belching. The following day was better and then the diarhea hit. I assumed it was my body's way of getting rid of the gas from both ends! Anyway, this morning, I felt great! Even after a night of being up with the big D. So, today I went to the next phase and added a shake and yogurt and skim pudding. Late this afternoon, I started to feel horrible! The tightness in the center of my chest has returned, along with serious belching. and a few times this evening, I've been hit by a wave that wants to me throw up badly. I know that I haven't gotten in enough Protein. But I just can't get anymore in. I don't know if this is all due to swelling, the gas, maybe the band doesn't like my yogurt choice? But this is awful! Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Ok so its a few days after and the tightness is GONE! guess it was just gas im doing good had my first real food i had cream of wheat but i could only eat about half of it i dont know if its that im not hungry or im scared to eat ! michelle

Good for you Michelle & Congrats on being banded. My girlfriend was banded 4 mnths before me & was always afraid to eat in the first 5 mnths. It was great for her:0) She lost twice has much as me in the begining. I think its good to be afraid, it slows you down & makes you think about what your doing. We know we all won't starve to death - thats for sure:0) Great job!:clap2:

Wanna be healthy,

I suggest you do just Clear liquids for a day or two until you feel a little better - most people on here state that they are on clear liquids for 2 weeks then to full liquids (pudding, milk, anything that can go through a straw consistency) Don't worry about Protein for right now, just focus on healing and feeling well. Your body will be fine for a couple of days as it heals further. I also found that cold cold liquids spell disaster for me, lukewarm or even room temperature don't seem to cause the sudden tightness!

Good Luck!

~cheri