I've just had surgery - will I ever feel normal again? - ThinnerTimes

Dimples470 · 08-10-2007, 04:03 PM

I'm on day 5 post-op. I won't even go into how horrible, painful and disturbing this whole experience has been. I expected the soreness and trouble getting liquids down I am experiencing. But, I am now experiencing horrible heartburn and a constant tightness in my chest that feels similiar to when you swallow a pill and it doesn't go down right away. Only the feeling never goes away. When I drink my shakes, my stomach swells and bloats and hurts so bad I have to lie down for at least an hour.

Is this normal? And, if so, how long will these sensations last? Anyone know if I ccan use Pepsid or some other antacid besides Tums. (The Tums help but I need to chew them like candy.)

LyndasRoom · 08-10-2007, 04:32 PM

The first answer is always to check with your Doctor! They didn't prescribe an antacid? You would probably be fine with a pepcid, but a prescription one might help better. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Dimples470 · 08-10-2007, 04:41 PM

No, they didn't even mention I might need an antacid afterwards. For the first two days, I suffered without even Tums until I found it written in one small place in my information packet. Do most people get counseling on this matter before leaving the hospital and even a Rx?

james770 · 08-12-2007, 01:45 AM

the wind eased for me around day seven, but had been getting slowly better since being able to walk after the operation, the pain from the shoulder was also wind so the sooner you fire on all fours and blow it out the better

James

Dimples470 · 08-12-2007, 03:13 AM

Things are slowly getting better. But, I still constantly feel a tightness/heartburn in the center of my chest. It kind of feels like a baseball is lodged there. Anyone else experience this? Anyone know how long it lasts?

kimtindall · 08-12-2007, 03:23 AM

Donna,

I am 6 days post op and kind of having the same issues as you. My surgeon gave me a RX for Nexium but my insurance carrier wouldnt cover it, so the pharmacist recommended that I look into Prilosec Otc (my surgeon ok'd it) and I have been taking it ever since. It has really made a difference. Maybe you could put a call into their office? I strongly suggest that, that is what they are there for. I hope that things get better for you.

Nena 1975 · 08-12-2007, 06:53 PM

Hi Donna -

I'm gald their is another person from Boston;Welcome -
I was experiencing this a week after my surgery and I was having a panic attack because i though I was going to die, the tightness of the chest is the worse. When I called my surgeon's office they explain to me that most of the times is due to gas and that the feeling goes away. They suggested for me to use GAS X (over the counter). I may say that i do not leave home with out it. It has help amazingly and the feeling has gotten better - It has come back, but it's more manageble. Who was your surgeon? Hope to get to know you more, since you are so close to home.

LyndasRoom · 08-12-2007, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimples470

No, they didn't even mention I might need an antacid afterwards. For the first two days, I suffered without even Tums until I found it written in one small place in my information packet. Do most people get counseling on this matter before leaving the hospital and even a Rx?

I was given an rx for ranitidine (antacid) as well as actigall, and my pain stuff before surgery. why not ask your doctor, so you can pick it up when you are at the pharmacy next time you are picking up your gas-x strips?

Gina in NY · 08-12-2007, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimples470

I'm on day 5 post-op. I won't even go into how horrible, painful and disturbing this whole experience has been. I expected the soreness and trouble getting liquids down I am experiencing. But, I am now experiencing horrible heartburn and a constant tightness in my chest that feels similiar to when you swallow a pill and it doesn't go down right away. Only the feeling never goes away. When I drink my shakes, my stomach swells and bloats and hurts so bad I have to lie down for at least an hour.

Is this normal? And, if so, how long will these sensations last? Anyone know if I ccan use Pepsid or some other antacid besides Tums. (The Tums help but I need to chew them like candy.)

I had an RNY, not the band, but I am surprised that you are so uncomfortable. Are you eating and drinking REALLY slowly? When I first started eating I had an egg timer and waited three minutes between bites of food, that I chewed to applesauce consistancy.

And even with shakes, and even now 14 months later, I can't just sit down and drink it down - it is all sip, sip, sip.

Also, I was put on 40 mg of pepcid a day and still take it. Gas-X seem to help people a lot as will walking to get things moving in there.

Most of all - sounds like you should call your doctor. I haven't heard of a "band" causing so much discomfort. It is possible that something is wrong. You should have it checked!

LisaBoston · 08-12-2007, 08:56 PM

I am not a lap band patient, but listening to your pain, I suggest you talk to your doctor. you should not be having kind of pain.

Do they give you much information on how to eat, drink and lifestyle after your band is in place.

Keep us posted.