Squeezing Pain in lower chest, neck and head when I eat/drink

Hi everyone, I'm 4 weeks post-op and last week I started having pain when I eat or drink. The pain is almost like a spasm or squeezing pain when I swallow. A few seconds after I swallow (I'm still on puree), I have a spasm in my lower chest that travels upward into my throat/neck then into my temples! I've called my surgeon and am waiting for a call-back. The nurse said she's never heard of the head pain, but the other pain sounds like it may be the beginning of a stricture. I've had multiple surgeries prior to the GB, which she said makes me more prone to a stricture. Has anyone else had this pain? I'm especially concerned with the squeezing sensation in my head right after eating/drinking. Help!! ~Toni in Philly

I haven't heard of that type of pain, but please be sure to let us know how you're doing and what your doctor said. I hope it wasn't too serious. Dawn

Toni- I also have developed the sqeezing pain in my chest/upper abdomen. I don't think I had headache except with vomiting though. The first time was after I ate 3 bites of well chewed chicken. I vomited for 4 hours afterwards and the pain continued in waves. I had it again last week after 2 bites of popsicle. I was at work (I work in a hospital) and the ER MD thought I was having esophageal spasms and gave me Nitroglycerine and it ended the pain/vomiting right away. I'm not sure what all that means as far as gastric bypass goes, but I have an appt with my surgeon on Friday and we will be discussing it! I have really not been eating well secondary to being afraid the pain/vomiting would start again. I would love to hear from you with what your MD thinks and I will elt you know what mine says. Debbie

Toni, I had the same thing. I have a stricture and I've had two procedures to dilate the stricture. You'll probably be sent in to see a Gastroenterologist and have an EGD and then they will dilate. The procedure is simple and painless and will probably need to be done several times until they are able to widen the opening for food to pass. Try not to panic and recognize when it's happening the calmer you stay the easier it is to deal with. Take care, Schatzel

Hi Gang, Sorry for the delay in responding...my computer is down and I am currently relying on the library computer. So, anyway...my surgeon called back and referred me to a GI. I had an endoscopy this past Friday and thank God there was no stricture. I was told that I'm having esophagial spasms and was given Levsin. I am still having some difficulties but the frequency has diminished. Since I've had many GI surgeries, I was concerned about a stricture. Well, time is running out on this computer (we're limited to 30 minute sessions; that stinks!) Thanks for all your input! Anyone else on here from Philly? Toni 35 lbs loss in 41 days!! Yippee!!