Is This Gas?? It Hurts!!!!

shellyj · August 22, 2003

i was banded monday and at times i will get a pain just beneath where

i belive my band to be. it feels like something is trying to get out!

or sometimes when i am talking or move a certain way i feel EXTREME

PRESSURE thats the only way i can think to describe it. i havent been

able to burp except teeny ones that give no relief. i have taken 7

gas x since monday. should i call my doc? i am having no problems

drinking Protein shakes, Jello, broth and Water. maybe the area is

just so swollen it wont let anything come up?

can you burp post op after you are healed on a day to day basis. not

a PB just a normal burp?

michelle

Kiera · August 22, 2003

As early as it is for you it is not surprising that you would still be having gas pains. I still get twinges in my shoulder even now 3+ months out. I would not be overly concerned about it unless it is painful enough that you are seriously uncomfortable. I was completely miserable the first week myself though...

Of course it never hurts to call the doctor if you are unsure though! You have to let your body guide you. If it is the equivelent of stubbing your toe then no worries it's probably perfectly normal. If it is more like a serious charley horse or sprain then you should talk to the doctor ASAP. If you are unable to keep any food of fluids down or your vomit is discolored or anything then call ASAP. If in doubt it is best to call just for peace of mind.

I hope that helps. It is perfectly normal to be uncomfortable as heck the first week - it sort of goes with the territory. I found that I half hour walk at about 6 days out made the gas disappate some so you might try that if you have not already.

Take special care when drinking to not gulp air - I find that if I get a little over full every swallow I take after that seems to contain a portion of air and it just makes me more and more uncomfortable until I PB. That's probably just me though. Also, in the beginning they gave me shakes with milk in them and that REALLY exacerbated the feeling of gas and discomfort. After I switched to Protein drinks that are not milk based I was much more comfortable. You might try alternating what you are drinking to see if that makes any difference. ;-)

leo · August 23, 2003

Hang in there Shelly, it's problaby just Gas pains.

There is a document on my site that has some suggestions on how to relieve yourself from the gasses... it's under the links section.

Brandi · August 24, 2003

I was banded on 8/19/03 and I am having the same kind of wierd pain. It almost feels like I swallowed a piece of hard candy and it's stuck right where the band is. I have had a hard time burping too. I haven't called my surgeon because I have talked a lot to my aunt who was banded a year ago and she tells me that this is normal. I have found walking to be the best way to work out the gas pains. Hope this helps.

Brandi

Alexandra · August 24, 2003

Add me to the list of banded burpsters. It does hurt, indeed. I'm feeling it less today, though, and it's nice to know it will be gone entirely in a few days.

A word of caution, though. I'm not one of those people who can do this, but if you are someone who can burp at will I'd say DON'T TRY IT after banding. You'll be inhaling air that can't get out in the way you were used to letting it. I think that would make the pain worse, not better.

shellyj · August 25, 2003

hi all! thanks for all your posts!

-still taking the gas x the sharp pains are almost gone but i am still sore. i think by 2 weeks i will be at 100%. i am about 80% now glad things are getting back to normal!

i have been doing lots of streching, walking and movement. i think and since last moday i have taken 10 gas x's. i havent called my doc knowing that *it was gas* but just to make sure i wanted to post!

Good luck Brandi!! i hope your pain passes!

michelle