I was banded 5 days ago. I am having terrible heartburn and chest pains. Is this normal? Does it go away?

A suggestion that was given me was sleeping on my left side, to help the gas in my system begin to exit the digetstive tract. I know that the gas pains for the last 2 days have been horrible. But this afternoon, I had a major explosion and viola, I'm not hurting like I was. I do know that the gas gurgles are what most of my pain comes from....the pain in my chest feels like small bubbles around my pouch...cause I can feel things emptying from the pouch, but the pain is sometimes still there. So...gas-X in the afternoon & evening, sleeping on my side during naps & at night....and life slowly going back to normal. (Only eating WAY less than before!)

It sounds to me like the "air" in your chest is causing pain.. I just got my band, on 4-2-07, and the "air" I have has settled into the back of my neck! Lots of people have it end up in thier shoulders too. It can be very uncomfortable, but walking and moving around helps. You need to get the air/gas into your digestive system, and through your digestive system... and finnally out of your system. It's not all in you stomach, but all around in you abdominal cavity from the actual surgery.

I have also heard that straws and sippy cups are NO NO's because they add to gas, and discomfort. Good luck with workin' out those gas pains!