Uncomfortable Constriction (1Week Post-Op)

[SophieJaneB 92]

After just a few bites of anything (thinned out soups/ thinned puddings/ Water, anything) I feel this knotted up constriction where my esophogus meets my stomach. It is almost painful, makes me wince, put my hand to my chest until it stops, a few seconds later.

Is this my stomach trying to heal, or could it be something else?

I don't think it is air bubbles because I am very careful not to take in air as I eat or drink.

Any advise will help!

[Katie713 423]

Perhaps it is swelling near the esophagus. It takes time for the swelling to recede.

Keep an eye on your symptoms, and if it becomes worse of very painful, put a call in to your surgeon's office. Some people do experience strictures which is scar tissue which sometimes causes a severe narrowing in the new stomach and it usually dealt with by stretching the stricture with balloon like device.

Not trying to scare you, it might just be that you still need healing and things will soon pass without problem.

Are you able to drink your fluids once the pain passes? Does it hurt every time you sip, or just at first?

Once in awhile I go through something similar, I am 3 months out and eat solids but once in awhile it feels like I get this constriction after my first few bites like my stomach has clamped down and then I have to wait it out for a bit and then it seems to relax enough that I can resume and slowly eat.

I would say try that as well for the meantime, go really slow and then stop and let your stomach relax and then see if you can resume.

Good Luck!!

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

Have you called your surgeon's office? It could just be your stomach is still swollen and the food is resting right there. It will go away, but it's always safe to play it safe and talk with the surgeon's office.

[MinaT 669]

I had that for about 4-1/2 weeks. It does go away, for some people it takes longer. The more swelling you have the longer it takes. I agree just let your surgeon's office know the problem just in case.

[SophieJaneB 92]

Thanks MinaT! Glad to know of someone else who experienced the same thing, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I will let my surgeon know when I go in for post-op.

[PdxMan 4,292]

I had this ... but I also had a hiatal hernia repair. Did you? Your surgeon may have just done a stitch or two there to seal things up a bit to help prevent a future hiatal hernia.

It will pass in a week or so.

[SophieJaneB 92]

No hernia repair. It feels slightly better today, I can already get more liquids down. (thank goodness) So i do see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully within a week it will be gone!