Discomfort/pressure while eating?

[WickedPissah529 3]

I had my VSG on 4/12, and I have to say, it’s been quite a rocky recovery so far. Lots of nausea, exhaustion, and a strange thing that happens almost every time I eat something. It kind of mimics heartburn, with hiccuping and a “stuck” feeling in my throat, but it almost feels like pressure from inside my stomach. Like my stomach is an inflating balloon. I’m following all the guidelines for puréed foods (taking pea-sized bites, eating over the span of about a half-hour, waiting an hour to drink anything, etc.), but it’s still happening. My doctor has not offered a lot of explanation, other than to say it’s probably just my stomach adjusting.

Has anyone else experienced this? Does it go away? Am I just being impatient with my body in recovery? Any additional insight would be really helpful. Thanks!

[Jnfinney 527]

Has your surgeon put you on an antacid or PPI like Pepcid or anything like that? I know a lot of surgeons do as a precaution to deal with stomach acid after the surgery.

[Jaelzion 1,128]

Yes, what you're describing is very common and for most people, it does go away as the tummy heals and swelling goes down. It's usually just a matter of waiting it out, but occasionally, people develop a complication called a "stricture". This is a narrowing in the digestive tract that doesn't allow food to pass through and it sometimes requires treatment to widen it and relieve the problem. But most commonly, when the swelling goes down, that feeling of everything getting stuck goes away on its own. Hang in there, and if it doesn't improve, check in again with your surgeon's office.

[WickedPissah529 3]

Thanks so much for the responses!

Yes, I have been taking omeprazole since the day after my surgery, and dexilant before that. I’m a life-long acid reflux sufferer. 😞

I’ve been warned about stricture and I’m hoping hoping hoping that’s not what this is. I will definitely take note if things don’t improve. 👍

[sunnynonni 9]

I had my sleeve done back Jan 4th an I still can only have 3 or 4 bites an I get sick, it’s like stuck in my throat, I will throw it up an get some pain in chest etc just so friggin uncomfortable to eat.

[A. Will 6]

Good Afternoon you all! I had gastric sleeve done on 3/22/2021 and like the original post, I have trouble with food feeling stuck, so I will purge to clear it. Additionally, prior to surgery I never had any reflux or GERD now I have reflux, burping constantly after just one bite. When I go to restaurants with friends I typically will have to throw up in the bathroom after a few bites because the discomfort is so overwhelming.

I have spoken to my doctor about this and he had been go to the hospital and get an upper GI x-ray done, and they didn't see any stricture or anything wrong. I don't know what to do, the doctor doesn't know what's wrong but I'm miserable every day. It's honestly gotten easier to just avoid eating, I just try to keep up with fluids.

Sorry for venting a bit but does anyone have any suggestions? or similar experience?

[sleeveinthecity 18]

I was sleeved in December and experienced something similar - I had a barium swallow which showed oesophageal dysmotility and I have my six month check next week with my surgeon to discuss options - it has improved with time but I would say I’m still having 2-3 bad days a week. I’m very fortunate though and haven’t thrown up - just terrible discomfort and chest pain