Question:
Has anyone experienced painful pressure just under the breast bone?

I had RNY surgery 1 1/2 years ago. Off and on I felt like I was having a heart attack. I had painful pressure just under my breast bone like someone was making my bra tighter and tighter. It lasts about 20 minutes and then starts to subside. If anyone has experienced this please write back.    — Cindi S. (posted on April 6, 2005)

April 6, 2005
I have experienced the same problem. I asked the surgeon and he indicated that our pouch is smaller, and it takes a while to digest. He also indicated that the food may get hung up while digesting.He the pain would stop once the food digests.
   — lkirkland1

April 6, 2005
Has it happened more than once? Food have anything to do with it that you can see? I see you are 1.5yrs out, so no stranger to your pouch. Can you breathe when it is attacking you?
   — vitalady

April 6, 2005
Hello, I experienced the same pain and it was gallstones, I felt like was having a heart attack and my blood pressure went up through the roof, I had to be rushed to the hospital via ambulance from work. Please have your gallbladder checked for stones, they can become very painful.
   — danetta1070

April 7, 2005
I've had the same thing happen to me about six times now. I have never in my life experienced such pain. It feels as if someone is squeezing your ribs together. I know what you are talking about....I had to pull over one time, I thought for sure I was having a heart attack. I couldn't breathe, I ran hot then cold, nothing helped... I had my gallbladder removed when they did my surgery so I know it wasn't that. I asked the dr and he said it was dumping. I have experienced all kinds of dumping, this by far is the worst. I have no idea what I ate to cause this, all I know is I am more careful with my food choices now. It hasn't happened for quite awhile now. I realize I'm not helping much, just know your not alone. I'm in the same boat as you. Best of luck...
   — Jillisa R.

April 7, 2005
I had surgery 2 1/2 years ago & have experienced the same pain. The first few times I thought for sure I was having a heart attack. When it starts to happen now I chew a few tums & take several swallows of water & it goes away pretty quick. Try that & see if it helps.
   — janets54

April 7, 2005
The only time I have that problem is when I don't eat slowly and chew my food well enough.
   — SJP

April 8, 2005
Yes, I have felt this pain too. I mostly feel it under my left breast... It is painful then it goes away, and comes back.
   — brownsugar35