chest pressure

kellymoos · August 25, 2003

just wondering if anyone has experienced chest pressure after the surgery and how long does it last and what is it????? My chest gets really tight for a few seconds and then it passes. They told me is was from them blowing me up during surgery. How long does it last for?? Thanks for any info!!

JC_GODOLPHINS · August 25, 2003

Kellymoos, I am assuming this is gas pressure built up inside of you. Your body will eventually absorb it and it will pass. What I do know from past experience is that you need to try and stay active. Walk around, and sit, don't lie down. The more you walk, the faster it should pass. Also, you need to do some breathing exercises. Slow deep breaths.

lisae · August 25, 2003

Kellymoos,

I get the chest pressure when I take too big of a bite of something. I asked my doc about it and he said that it's a spasm of the esophagus. It will pass, but it can really hurt. Just try to relax and breathe........it will go away. Take it as a reminder that you need baby bites. Sometimes if I've eaten too fast or too big, then the pressure doesn't go away until the food comes back up. :sick

kellymoos · August 25, 2003

I was just banded on 8-20 and I am still on liquids; so I know I am not taking too big of bites! Wish I was though....everything smells soooo good!! LOL

jadrad7 · August 26, 2003

Make sure your doctors know about it if you are sure it is not from the food you are eating, chest pressure is still a sign of a heart attack.

Rab607 · August 27, 2003

Kelly,

I had incredible spasms of the esophagus for almost 2 weeks after surgery. Had them while drinking liquids, and without drinking liquids. I had them throughout the day while eating/drinking nothing! What my doc told me was that I was one of the lucky ones and probably had some restriction with the band just being in place. Your stomach is still healing and getting use to having something new (that was never intended to be there) inside it. You are swollen inside as well, which further restricts you. I bet though, even after the natural swelling due to the surgical procedure subsides, you will find you have some restriction....as was the case with me. I have lost 25 pounds...since surgery and have been eating pretty much whatever I want, but I have listened to my body, when I am satisified, I stop....which for me is way before I physically realize I am full! I have had three PB'ing episodes when trying to eat to much or to fast.....Oh and I havent mentioned.....I havent had my first fill yet! That is scheduled for later this week. So there is definite restriction already in place. Hopefully that is the case with you too. I did however have a EKG to make sure I wasnt having a heart attack....you cant be too careful with "chest pain/pressure" you always have to rule that out, so if you have not spoken with your doc I suggest you do as well. Good luck to you...I know how uncomfortable those spasms are!

Joann : )

07/18/03

307/273/170

kellymoos · August 27, 2003

Thanks sooo much!! That is what is happening with me also. Just when ever it feels like I have a real tight feeling and my chest and it last only a few seconds... I got the band on 8-20 and I have already lost 11 lbs; I was supposed to get a fill in 3 weeks; but requested that it be postponed till 5 week due to our vacation in Florida and I want to be able to eat a little!! I really appreciate your reply!!!!

Alexandra · August 27, 2003

Hey Kelly--

I'm really hearing you on this presure thing right about now. The gas pains were almost gone for me this morning but today I had my first business lunch since banding. My food of choice was black bean Soup, and though I avoided the Beans as much as I could, I'm sure it was a little more fibrous than I should have attempted at this point.

Now I'm feeling the pressure again, though my lower stomach is grumbling that I haven't eaten in 6 hours. Time for hot, THIN, soup!

Ouch.