Question:
Pain just below and behind sternum

LAP RNY 1/16/01 down 62# with very few problems. For about a week everytime I eat or drink I get a dull constant pain just below and behind the bottom of my Sternum sometimes it last for hours. Any suggestions? Thank You Mike    — Mike H. (posted on April 2, 2001)

April 2, 2001
This will sound silly perhaps but I'd ask the Dr. Could it possibly be a hernia? I know they are not 1/2 as common with Lap RNYs as they are with Open RNYs but hmmm??? Or perhaps you could be getting an ulcer even.. they are painful more than acid.. or at least mine was. I haven't hard to surgery yet so I can't say for sure. Good luck.
   — Dawn R.

April 2, 2001
Is the pain on the left side? I had gall bladder problems years ago and they pain started in the middle on the side. I did have to have my removed. You might want to try laying down on your left side. I would also check with you Dr. I am hoping to have my surgery next week.
   — Ann B.

April 3, 2001
Mike, Thanks for letting me know i am not the only one. I have an appt with my PCP today to check it out. It has been ongoing and gradually worse in the last four days. I finally called my surgeon yesterday, thinking i was making a mountain out of a mole hill. When the surgeon's assistant called back she was very forceful in the fact i NEEDED to see my pcp. I would suggest you call the surgeon.
   — blank first name B.

August 19, 2002
I know this won't much help the person that asked this question now that so much time has gone by but maybe this can help someone else. I was told in my pre-op nutrition class that if you eat or drink too fast it would feel like there was a rock in your chest or middle back. I am now 3 weeks post-op from a lap RNY and have experienced this pain myself. Slowing down and sipping and chewing my food (even pureed) seems to help prevent this pain. Hope it helps someone.
   — Laurel C.

August 19, 2002
I just got home after spending the weekend in the hospital with an ulcer. I had been having pain below my sternum and ribs and in my back. I also had nausea and vomiting. I never would have thought that ribs/back pain=ulcer. I think that it is worth having a scope done to check it out.
   — Heather N.