Pain in left chest area - just left of center

[RNmomtothree 0]

Hello everyone!

I was banded on 5/26. Within the past 2 days, I have had this constant annoying pain in my left chest area - like right behind my left breast. I have tried stretching etc. because it almost feels like a muscle strain or something. I am not vomiting or anything - I haven't had barely any restriction since the swelling went down and can pretty much eat anything (which I have been doing unfortunately - bread will give me a little problem if I eat it too fast). My first fill is on July 14th. Could my band have slipped this quickly? I am getting worried. Anyone have any advice? Thanks!

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

Probably just gas, coming back for a visit. I remember when I thought it was gone for good....and then, suddenly, it came back.

[karook54 0]

It sounds like gas. It seemed like forever before mine finally went away. Walking definitely helps with the discomfort. Hang in there it will get better soon.

[thesuse2000 698]

Hi there - I just want to make sure you know that the area you're describing is actually where your band is. I just learned that recently - on an esophogram I could clearly see the wires from my underwire bra, and the band was behind the lower inner quadrant of my left breast.

I hope the pain has passed by now, but if not, it would be a good idea to give your doctor a call to run it by them. I hope all is well!

[DrFesterpus 0]

The gas can be surpisingly painful . If I didn't know better

I would have sworn I was having a heart attack. I was

banded May 18 th and got my first fill June 16th . It feels

too tight to me. I have had some pretty tuff gas pains the

past week. I am almost scared to eat . I have lost 32 lbs.

(counting the pre-band diet). I haven't eat any bread or

other problem foods I was warned about . I am keeping

Gas-X in business too ! lol. I am happy with the weight loss

and very concerned about the gas pains. I have done a

few searches and we are not alone with the weird gas pains.

However, that doesn't make me feel any better . This is

band is controlling me for sure. I tolf my doc....." This thing

will talk back to you and LOUDLY ! :blushing: if abused. I hope we

toughen up and learn to live with it . Right now .......I

am not too happy . Reading everyones advice has been

very hepful too. I am not much on posting messages but

I check here everyday. I am hurting now with gas pains

and ........Well , Like Bill Clinton said: " I feel your pain !":eek:

I have not had any acid reflux or even came close to

throwing up either. I have been on a very bland diet too.

I will experiment with what I can and can't eat and just

see how it goes. Good luck and keep the Gas-X handy.

Edited June 23, 2009 by DrFesterpus
added info

[Luu2008 2]

I am a year post op and when my band is at the optimum fill level I do not feel this pain. However, when I am "loose" I feel this when I am hungry. I know this because I eat and the pain goes away :smile2:. I don't know if its the same thing for you but that's the conclusion I've come to.

[clayverde 2]

I no longer have those pains, but I distinctly remember them right after the surgery and lasting for quite awhile afterwards. I tended to have the pain as a sharp, aching in my left shoulder. I remember being told at the time that it wasn't uncommon. There is some nerve that runs right near the area that the band is put in that runs up the chest and to the shoulder. With the surgery and inflammation, etc., that nerve is irritated which causes the pain in the shoulder. I was so nervous I was having a heart attack!! Eventually it went away, and now I only occasionally have that pain after I get a fill (which again makes sense if it is a nerve irritation thing.) But you always have to be careful - you don't want to dismiss it if it is a real heart attack! No matter what, I'd bring it up to your doctor and see what he/she says. Hopefully, this will help ease the panic factor to help better figure out if this is a serious issue or the aches and pains of having invasive surgery! Good luck!