Discomfort when swallowing @ 4 wks post op

[healthier&happier4life 86]

I'm 4 weeks post op and on the soft/pureed food stage.

Sometimes when I swallow food I have an uncomfortable feeling in my chest. It almost feels like a tightening. Hard to explain. It happens when I take my first bite of food, so I don't think it's the feeling some get when full. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I will ask my surgeon about this during my next appointment but that's still a couple of weeks away.

[James Marusek 5,244]

I don't know if it is anything to be concerned about. You are the best judge for that. If it gets worse you might want to pass that by your surgeon's office.

Since you mentioned a tightening of the chest, one of the complications of bariatric surgery or any major surgery for that matter is the risk of developing blood clots. The warning signs of a pulmonary embolism are:

Chest pain (most common)

Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting (second most common)

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Chest pain

Parts of your body turn blue (i.e. lips, skin)

Fever

Coughing up blood

Increased heart rate

Low blood pressure

The risk of developing blood clots remains elevated for at least 6 weeks after surgery. This is a dangerous condition. http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/blood-clot-symptoms.html Frequent walking is the best way to reduce your risk of blood clots. Generally after surgery, you receive a blood thinner Lovenox (Enoxaparin) to help reduce your risk of blood clots. I think I gave myself these shots for about a week or two when I left the hospital. But at 4 weeks post-op, you are most likely off these.

[healthier&happier4life 86]

Thanks. I don't have any of those other symptoms and only experience the discomfort when swallowing (sometimes). I'm wondering if it could just be that the incisions are still sensitive. I wonder how long it takes for the new stomach to totally heal from the surgery.

[Pegasus012587 0]

I am also 4 weeks post op and have the same issue. I have severe pain when I try to eat soft meats and usually the only way to get the pain to go away is by vomiting. I usually start feeling pain after the second or third bite. I am trying to get back in my my doctor to find out why this may be happening. I hope you find answers soon. It is rough!

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[JustDanielle 2]

It is rough! I was told to use a baby spoon when eating in the beginning. Small bites and "chew, chew, chew". My 18 year old daughter had surgery 6 weeks ago and still has this issue. I had my surgery on7/18 and still on clears but before this surgery, I had a lap band. I had the pain every time I ate something solid, except for Soups. My husband had gastric bypass surgery 4 years ago and does not have that pain anymore. It will take time for us to heal. It's like we are infants learning to eat all over again.

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[healthier&happier4life 86]

@@Pegasus012587 I have a follow up next week. I will let you know what my surgeon says. (I'm assuming that I'm eating too fast - even though it doesn't seem that way to me - or something like that.