Hi, my name is Brian and I'm 31. Just had lap-band surgery on Sept. 5th. Things are going well so far, with the exception on one thing. Everytime I sip something,(Water,juice,Protein drink)I get this painful pressure sensation in my throat/upper chest. Almost like heartburn or acid reflex.(have trouble belching also, perphaps this could this be part of the problem?) I am taking very small sips, so I'm sure that's not the problem. After speaking with my surgeon's assistant, she couldn't seem to come up with any explainations.(after asking me if any of my body parts were having soreness, which might indicate a cardiac problem)

Wondering if anyone else has experianced this same feeling? Is it something that your body just takes time and adjust to and you eventually get over it? Aside from this one thing, all else seems to be going well. If just drinking liquid is this painful though, I can't imagine when I go to solids! Any of your thoughts and comments are appreciated, THANKS!!!-Brian

Sounds like swelling to me. Many people come directly out of surgery with post-op swelling. Some have issues with swallowing liquids at all for the first few days, but all eventually get through it and get over it. As long as you are able to get liquids down, albeit slowly, you should be fine. You just don't want to become dehydrated.

You will definitely notice a new pressure in the upper area of your chest at times because the pouch created above the band is at the bottom end of your esophagus. Occasionally, air will tend to get trapped and you'll feel pressure, or when you drink or eat too quickly or too much you may also notice this. Go slow.. try warm liquids. I even used a straw for smaller sips - some docs forbid straws due to gas. So mostly, follow your docs orders and listen to your body's signals. Welcome to the banded side!

Thanks for your reply, it's greatly appreciated!!! I'm curious though....have you ever tried chewable antacids or anti-gas with any success? Thanks again-Brian

Gas-X helps so much with the gas pains, I cannot recommend it enough.

Thanks, I will pick some up tomorrow! I see your in Moscow, I spend my childhood in a small farming community just south called Genessee.....what a trip?!<BG> OBTW-could you point me in the direction of how to get a sig going? I go to my porfile, but don't see a link. What a newbie I am!

http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/3;10300;7;0;1/c/283/t/200/s/309/k/32c2/weight.png

I too vote for swelling. This could be a sign of things to come, so take it easy when you start mushy and solid foods. Some people swell easier than others, and continue to do so. I am almost 2 years post-op and when my emotions run high, my band swells. Yesterday, for example, I kept NOTHING down after my DH said something that upset me and hurt my feelings. I tried Wendy's chili, then some soup, then, in a fit of self-pity, I ate some Cheetos and, later, about 1/2 cup of M&Ms. It all came back up. This morning I am nursing a cup of hot tea and so far, it's working out fine. For me, this is just part of being banded. For others, it doesn't happen at all, or happens to a much lesser degree. That's the thing you will find about the band - it is a totally individual experience.

Let me tell you.....I always seem to get air trapped in there where I have problems burping and pressure also. I bought some Beano yesterday and so far it seems to help with this. I just put about 5 drops in or on what I'm eating. It also seemed to help with sliming. Give it a try...it can't hurt.

Hiya Brian,

I was banded on Sept 5 as well. I know exactly what you're talking about with the burp or pressure stuck in your stomach/airway. Yesterday I was pacing up and down the halls of my house, hoping that the burp would emerge. No luck. My husband came home and I demanded that he burp me. Didn't work. I really hope this resolves itself soon, I can't walk around the rest of my life with a stuck burp. Gas-X didn't help the burp for me, also tried Rolaids. Maybe we should try the Bean-o.

If you find a cure, please please don't keep it to yourself.

Mallorie

Glad to hear your feeling better today! Thanks for the insight.-Brian

That's a terrific suggestion, thanks so much!-Brian

Hey Mallorie, congrats on the band! Don't worry, we'll get through this together! Fortunately today went a bit better for me, don't know if it was all the walking or just finally getting out more of the gas build-up from the operation? Yeah, antacids and gas pills have only helped a little so far....but I will definetely go out and get some Beano tomorrow and try thanks to Miper!!! Take care and I'm sure it will get much better as time goes on.-Brian

The Beano works so much better for me than the gas pills and antacids. I hope it helps you feel better. I'm 5 months out and I now use it everytime I eat. If I forget to use it, I can tell almost immediately.

Let us know how you're getting along.

Michele

Hey Michele! Yeah, I picked some Beeno up today when I was getting my gallbladder meds. So now when I go to solids, I'll be good to go! Went for my first checkup today, one week out and I'm down 17lbs. SWEET!!!-Brian

That is awesome. That's how much I've lost in 5 months...LOL!

Let me know how the Beano works. It would work better if I could remember to carry it with me everywhere.