Question:
Has anyone had severe chest pain, like your rib cage is being compressed?

I have never had this happen prior to the surgery so I am wondering if anyone else has had this happen to them. I am exactly one year out today and I can remember everytime this has happened to me, it's been 6 times now. I had to pull over once cause the pain was so severe. It feels as if my rib cage muscles are cramped and I can't breathe, almost like there are big hands squeezing them in. It lasts for about 30 to 45 minutes during which I am having episodes of hot and cold sweats. I've even been to the point of tears during one episode and I didn't cry during childbirth..that's how bad this hurts... What is this? I've experienced all kinds of dumping is this just another form? All I know is if this is what it feels like to have a heart attack, I don't want any part of it. Any ideas? Thank You all....(^..^)    — Jillisa R. (posted on March 17, 2005)

March 17, 2005
Hello, First, let me say that you may need to see your doctor immediately to rule out other health problems. Second, I will tell you that I had all the symptoms you are describing. Went to the ER, had tons of tests ran only to be told that I was dumping. It really feels like you are having a heart attack! I feel very hot, then I break out in cold sweats, my heart is going ninety to nothing, I feel as though I cannot breath, my back and around under my breast reminds me of a gallbladder attack (which in turn feels like a heart attack). I am one in a million probably that dumps on protein!!!!! Take care and Skinny Wishes to you. Becky
   — becky

March 17, 2005
I would go the ER. A heart attack can have these symptons. There is probably many other things it could be but I would not fool around with this. Please go get checked out. Hope you are ok and feeling better soon. Erin
   — Erin N.

March 17, 2005
I can't dx your issue, of course, but you saying that you have trouble breathing makes me think of diaghram spasms. Are you taking any Percocet or anything like that? Can you get your doc to rx you some Levsin, like maybe just 10 (they're cheap) to try during an attack? If it works, it gives him something to work with. I have them, for no apparent reason, usually at night. Had them immediately after innocuous surgeries (not WLS related) and when I was taking Percocet (Roxicet) after major plastics. Feels like something's GOT ME, cannot draw a decent breath, the pain makes me sweat. My dh is so cute, "What's wrong?" And just how much detail does he want with the oz of breath I have? But now I have Levsin and can usually stop one of these spasms within 2-4 minutes. It's sublingual and even tho the spasms are not yet explained, at least I don't feel as victimized by them.
   — vitalady

March 17, 2005
Do you still have a gallbladder.When mine started giving me problems they had me were a heart monitor,but nothing showed even thou I was having so mmuch pain then the DR found galstones.It felt as if my chest was being squeezed as tight as could be then the pain was so intense I thought I was dying.with each attack it got worse.
   — Joy S.

March 17, 2005
I did have that happen and my doctor explained to me that it was because when i had my surgery they spread my rib cage apart and that was causeing the pain because i hadn't healed yet. It just takes time to heal..... Kelly
   — mystic0619

March 18, 2005
Hi, Yes I've had the same problem since 2002. It has continued to get worse in the last 2 years. I agree with all the other answers. For me it turned out to be a number of problems. Esophageal spasms, food allergies, Gerd, Crohn's with severe constipation, muscle spasms. I've had two heart attacks and heart bypass and I do believe the pain with this is worse. If you don't find answers feel free to contact me and I will tell you what I've done to try and figure this out. I hope you get answers soon ((((HUGS))))) Nut Picker
   — Nut Picker

March 18, 2005
Hi Jillisa, Have you ever heard of angina? My father used to have angina (a heart condition). He used to say it felt like an elephant was stepping on his rib cage. It was extraordinarily painful for him. The doctors were able to provide him with nitro sublingual (under the tongue) to alleviate this right away. I certainly hope you don't have angina, but it's so important to get this checked out and screened out as the cause of your pain. It could be a precursor to a heart condition. I hope you feel better soon, and please write to the list to let us all know what it was. -anne (SeattleWaGal in OH chat)
   — Anne S.