Jersey Jesse

I found a solution for relieving restriction discomfort. It may not work for everyone but it is definitely working for me as of late. Brief History: Every time I eat something, the first few bites make me feel a terrible discomfort for the first minute or two, and it basically halts all eating or drinking until the discomfort goes away. Well - This was unacceptible when I was going to lunch with coworkers and I had to excuse myself every time I went somewhere to eat because I had to head to the bathroom to get rid of the slime. My Solution: After having a bad PB episode at home, I tried something that seemed to be the last thing I would ever try. I took a deep breath and held it. Lo and behold, the pain subsided, the food slid down properly and I was able to resume eating without discomfort. WHAT A REVELATION!!! Finally, I had something I could do to help me cope with the restriction pain. My Theory on why it works: I believe that the deep breath (literally filling my lungs to capacity) seems to help my esophagus compress and squeeze the food down. If I then follow the deep breath with a small sip of some liquid, the pain leaves even faster. Just my two cents. Hope this is useful to someone. Jesse PS - Thanks again for the continued help and support. Had this site not existed, I would feel much more alone, and for this, I'm extremely appreciative. Banded January 30th, 2006

bump bump bump

I could use a little help here. I have been having port pain lately and it is swollen to the touch and when I have to flex in the area of the pain, especially when getting up to stand or reclining to sit down. Other than that, I feel fine. The pain is significant enough that I took one of the percocets left over from after the surgery, and its cutting down on the pain. My question is: Is this necessary to see the doctor for? I had the surgery 1/30/2006 and up until 2 days ago, my port hasn't been a problem at all. I truly believe that I must've twisted the wrong way while I slept and thats what caused the pain. Also, one other thing I'd like to know is: by now the stitches should be gone, shouldn't they? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Jesse

Again, I can't thank you all enough. I now have a new approach to eating, and will take it easy on the solids for the next few days. Then I'll try baby steps with very small bites timed a few minutes apart. My doctor also suggested the warm beverage before eating, but that was his only advice. Excuse my ignorance, but I am not aware of what PB and some of the other acronyms used on this board mean. Can someone break down for me just a few to help me catch up? Thanks again, Jesse

Again, I can't thank you all enough. I now have a new approach to eating, and will take it easy on the solids for the next few days. Then I'll try baby steps with very small bites timed a few minutes apart. My doctor also suggested the warm beverage before eating, but that was his only advice. Excuse my ignorance, but I am not aware of what PB and some of the other acronyms used on this board mean. Can someone break down for me just a few to help me catch up? Thanks again, Jesse

Thank you all so much. I can't tell you how alone I felt when this happens to me. My wife keeps asking "is there something I can do" and I can't think of anything because I myself don't know what to do. Tonight was strange since I didn't eat anything dry. I ate very moist chicken, dark meat rotisserie, and it still happened. I think I like the suggestion most that I may be swollen and irritated. Thats kinda what I felt was the case. I'm going to go back to soft mushy stuff for a week or so to give my esophagus a rest and then reattempt tuna or something high Protein and moist. Again, thanks for helping me feel less alone. I'm very appreciative I found this board and all those who so promptly replied. Jesse

Thank you all so much. I can't tell you how alone I felt when this happens to me. My wife keeps asking "is there something I can do" and I can't think of anything because I myself don't know what to do. Tonight was strange since I didn't eat anything dry. I ate very moist chicken, dark meat rotisserie, and it still happened. I think I like the suggestion most that I may be swollen and irritated. Thats kinda what I felt was the case. I'm going to go back to soft mushy stuff for a week or so to give my esophagus a rest and then reattempt tuna or something high Protein and moist. Again, thanks for helping me feel less alone. I'm very appreciative I found this board and all those who so promptly replied. Jesse

I had the Band on January 30th, 2006. I am having a big problem. Whenever I eat, no matter how much I chew my food, the first few bites seem to go down just fine, then about 2 minutes later, I feel an intense pain in my esophagus/stomach. It feels like someone is choking me, but in my stomach. I've talked to my doctor who said he's seen this only once or twice before and stated that he really isn't sure why it happens. He suggested that I take a few sips of warm Water first before each meal. The problem is, I don't always have access to warm water when I eat. I haven't been given a fill yet, and to date I've lost 41 pounds. My issue seems to be that it happens most when I eat denser foods. If I eat a salad with dressing the problem doesn't exist, but when I eat chicken, fish, breads etc, this pain comes on strong. I'm then unable to drink water or even swallow saliva. The pain is very strong and lasts for about 10 minutes. I'm unable to remedy the situation after it starts, and eventually, the food drops into my stomach and I feel fine again, but my appetite is completely gone. PLEASE HELP!!! I had an episode tonight at dinner, eating a small piece of chicken, and I was getting frantic cause I couldn't figure out how to make the pain go away.

I had the Band on January 30th, 2006. I am having a big problem. Whenever I eat, no matter how much I chew my food, the first few bites seem to go down just fine, then about 2 minutes later, I feel an intense pain in my esophagus/stomach. It feels like someone is choking me, but in my stomach. I've talked to my doctor who said he's seen this only once or twice before and stated that he really isn't sure why it happens. He suggested that I take a few sips of warm Water first before each meal. The problem is, I don't always have access to warm water when I eat. I haven't been given a fill yet, and to date I've lost 41 pounds. My issue seems to be that it happens most when I eat denser foods. If I eat a salad with dressing the problem doesn't exist, but when I eat chicken, fish, breads etc, this pain comes on strong. I'm then unable to drink water or even swallow saliva. The pain is very strong and lasts for about 10 minutes. I'm unable to remedy the situation after it starts, and eventually, the food drops into my stomach and I feel fine again, but my appetite is completely gone. PLEASE HELP!!! I had an episode tonight at dinner, eating a small piece of chicken, and I was getting frantic cause I couldn't figure out how to make the pain go away.