3 days post op - what is this pain in my chest???

[Niamia67 1]

Hi folks,

Just had surgery on the 4th and can't figure out why my chest hurts so badly. It comes in waves. It's not always after I try to drink/eat something either. I woke up this morning and felt it. I have been having things like gatorade, yogurt, pudding and Protein Drinks mainly. Should I be eating a entire cup of yogurt (6oz) or an entire 10 oz Protein Drink? I am afraid to even drink Water. Help!

[goalseeker 695]

It is probably gas. I had a lot of gas pain from the surgery post op. I found the best thing to get rid of it was walking around.

[lcf_m 5]

Did your doctor correct a hernia? My doctor did while doing the surgery and it later felt as if a stake was being driven through my chest! Each time you breath you are using your diaphragm and that's where the hernia was fixed so it's painful. Congrats on starting your journey!

[Niamia67 1]

Yes, he did do a hernia repair. I never thought of that. Anything that will make that hurt less?

[mrsto 2,925]

I also had a hernia repair, and my gallbladder removed. I was also plicated in addition to the lap band. I was having intermittent chest pain, and with all that was done, I believe that part was from the hernia. Based on location, it makes sense.

You are only three days out, and that pain will pass. For me, the gas has taken longer to pass, which is annoying as hell. It seems to be the biggest complaint among us. But if what you're feeling is actual pain from the stitches to repair the hernia, the pain meds will help you get through it.

Hope you feel better soon.....

PS: It sounds like what you are eating/drinking is fine. Just remember to sip and eat SLOWLY. Anything fast can bring on all sorts of pains.

[Niamia67 1]

Thank you so much!!

[pinx 18]

I was told to put a pillow over my stomach and take deep breaths. It helps it not be as painful when you need to take that deep breath. I was told it was gas pain as well. The shoulder and neck are gas and nerve pain if you have that. Walking, gas-x, the pillow trick, sitting up rather than laying down are all things that help, but none of them have cured it. I was banded on the 3rd and still have the pains on and off. However, those things help control it and it does slowly get better. I've also found slowly sipping on warm tea, especially ginger, helps release some of the gas pressure as well. I'm walking 3x a day in hopes of geting rid of the remaining gas build up. I had the gerd/hernia repair during the band as well. I hope that helps some.

[Niamia67 1]

I bet it will. Def gonna give it a try! Thanks :-)

[honk 780]

Are you supposed to be having yogurt this soon? I was not love yogurt until week 3. Personally I would lay off mushy's which is what yogurt is for at least another week.

[es1120 141]

Are you supposed to be having yogurt this soon? I was not love yogurt until week 3. Personally I would lay off mushy's which is what yogurt is for at least another week.

I was allowed Greek yogurt/sf yogurt two days post-op. Every dr is different.

It sounds like gas pain or referred pain to me.

[d9leigh 31]

Probably gas, get a heating pad and walk walk walk

[Niamia67 1]

He told me to follow the liquid diet which is yogurt, pudding, Protein drinks, popsicles, broth and drinks (Gatorade, Water, juice, etc..). Hmmm...

[es1120 141]

He told me to follow the liquid diet which is yogurt' date=' pudding, Protein drinks, popsicles, broth and drinks (Gatorade, Water, juice, etc..). Hmmm...[/quote']

If that's what your dr told you, then you are doing what's right. Every dr prescribes something different for post-op eating. I really think you're just having pain due to gas and/or the hernia repair.

Hope you feel better soon!

[babykins529 189]

I was on Clear Liquids for a week then regular liquids for week two then mushies and pureed foods for weeks 3 and 4. I honestly stayed on more of a soup/liquid diet till week 4 because my body let me know it wasn't ready for mushies or more solid food yet. Listen to your body. Take it easy. If you had a hernia repair (which I did not), then yes, it will be more painful in your chest. Never hurts to call and ask your surgeon as well.

[mrsto 2,925]

I was told to put a pillow over my stomach and take deep breaths. It helps it not be as painful when you need to take that deep breath. I was told it was gas pain as well. The shoulder and neck are gas and nerve pain if you have that. Walking, gas-x, the pillow trick, sitting up rather than laying down are all things that help, but none of them have cured it. I was banded on the 3rd and still have the pains on and off. However, those things help control it and it does slowly get better. I've also found slowly sipping on warm tea, especially ginger, helps release some of the gas pressure as well. I'm walking 3x a day in hopes of geting rid of the remaining gas build up. I had the gerd/hernia repair during the band as well. I hope that helps some.

Today is my two week mark, and yesterday I had bad chest and left shoulder pain. Like you, breathing has been difficult since opening my eyes from surgery. WAY better know then before, but I find I'm still laboring a bit at times. I guess it's a very slow process, which I'm fine with, as long as there is an end in sight.

The pillow is a great idea...one I hadn't thought of :-)