Feels like a ball in my throat.....

kshallain · April 5, 2009

Has anyone felt the sensation of something in their throat when they swallow even if they have not ate anything (like a small ball). I had my surgery done just a little over a week ago and this started about three days ago. I also am suffering from decent gas (have to burp constantly) and occassional indigestion. I have tried the gas-x (not much help). Also, I am literally able to eat only teaspoons of food at each meal. Is that normal. I called my doctor and his nurse said "yes." I bet I am only consuming about 400 calories if that a day. Any thoughts??????

angel1174 · April 5, 2009

I had my sugery on the 31st. I don't have the ball in my throat feeling, but I do have the gas. I take gas X, again not much relief, but walking really helps. Also until the gas starts to feel better I only was having teaspoons at a time, 400-500 calories, but this is all normal. I found that when I stand up and drink I feel better because the gas mobilizes better. Hang in there, today I am less gasy and feel more normal.

ParrotheadCathy · April 5, 2009

The only time I felt that "ball in my chest" sensation, it was from an overfill... I couldn't swallow anything, not even my own saliva. A small unfill fixed it. You should be on liquids only right now and if you can't swallow liquids at will, I would most definiately call the doctor's office back and tell them exactly as you've told us. If you are not able to easily swallow liquids, you will be dehydrated, your electrolytes will be off, you'll get shaky, etc. Don't settle for "that's normal". Ask to see the doctor if you're concerned. Some doctors do a fill when they do the surgery. If, unlike me (who had only .6cc in my band), you have saline in your band there may be too much.

skw08 · April 6, 2009

Hi there...I also had the "ball in my throat." It kinda felt like you are being strangled from the inside and only lasts a few seconds, at least in my case. I spoke with the nurse and turns out it is a normal feeling since I also had a hernia repair. I was about 10 days post op when the pains subsided.

soxaholic · April 6, 2009

I had it a week ago today (when I was 1.5 weeks post-op) and it scared me to death - thought I was having/going to have a panic attack.

I've felt it a few times, but one of those times I had it all day long. It was horrible and worse at night. It (thankfully) went away and I haven't experienced it severely since. I asked my Dr. about it after the fact, and he said it could very have been from swelling around the band; however, if it does come back, he'll have to send me for an upper GI. I also thought it could potentially be reflux, but it felt nothing like GERD.

I thought something was wrong since I had no fills or anything. It's a scary feeling. Here's hoping yours goes away as mine did. The two-week point for me was huge. That's when I started feeling human again. There's still some pain, but it gets a bit better each day. Hang in there!

Pegsinthewoods · April 6, 2009

You sound like you might have a similar problem I have. It is called first bite (swallow) syndrome. It is like I have to wake my stomach up EVERY time I drink/eat. Sometimes I have to wait about 15 minutes until I burp to be able to continue after the first bites. :smile: In the morning I start with a warm drink and that seems to help a lot. Remaining calm if I'm in a stressful situation also helps. :smile2: People really don't notice if you continue with the conversation, etc. I have found to short term discomfort to be worth the control the band provides me.