Hello All,

What is the burning sandpapery feeling in the chest??? Does that mean something is kind of stuck and then goes past the band when the feeling eases? I just got my 3rd fill 8/15/11. Before that, I had no restriction. I am not sure if what I am feeling now is restriction. Often when I eat something, I get this burning sandpapery feeling in my chest, kind of like I swallowed a tennis ball whole. It usually passes after a few minutes. I don't get it every time I eat. I guess it occurs when I eat too fast or something that is too dry. I know I need to work on these things.

Other than that, I am really not feeling a sensation of fullness when I eat things that don't cause this sensation. Does this mean I am not at the sweet spot yet? My dr. is concerned because he says most of his patients have restriction after the 2nd fill. I guess he uses small bands up to 8 ml. I currently have 7 ml in the 8ml bad. He has suggested I go to have my next fill x-rayed.

Can those of you who are having success explain what restriction actually feels like? Thanks!! Vu

Restriction is a misconception because the band does NOT restrict the amount of food you eat. It only keeps you from being hungry longer 4 to 5 hours and thats it. It is up to you to stop eating. The band will not do that for you.

Restriction is a misconception because the band does NOT restrict the amount of food you eat. It only keeps you from being hungry longer 4 to 5 hours and thats it. It is up to you to stop eating. The band will not do that for you.

That is your experience and thanks for sharing. Others have clearly stated they feel full or have a sense of satiety after eating a quantity of food. So, it is from those, who I am most curious to hear from.

Hey! I just had my first fill on Wednesday the 17th. I don't know how big my band is. I never thought to ask that. I definitely will at my next appt. Anyway, the doc said I had 3cc in the band when it was installed. I had 3cc's injected on Wednesday. He had me drink Water to see if it would flow threw and it did but slowly. I did my 2 days of liquids and am now on my first day of mushies. I noticed during the liquid stage I didn't really have a full sensation, probably due to it all just passing through. So on liquids I just have to stop myself. I have noticed I don't eat as much as before this started which probably means my stomach has shrunk some. This morning though was a whole different ballgame. Before my fill I was able to do about 3/4 cup of eggbeaters for Breakfast. This morning I had a hard time with 1/4 cup. I thought I chewed well enough but it was a little painful going down. I have noticed when I start getting a feeling of a golf ball in my throat right above my shoulder bones/ribs I need to stop. At that point I know I am full. My brain wants me to keep eating though because it tastes good. That is something I hope will change with time. I just love the taste of food (hence my whole problem!). I have also noticed if I eat slower and just stop for a bit that I really am not hungry. That helps as well.

I hope this helps you some! Good luck!

This is a great article that I recommend to everyone with the band or who is thinking about getting the band.

http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

First of all I have had great success 70lbs and I do get satiety, however I have to know when to stop because you can surely out eat your band if you want too. I have consumed more than a cup of food on occassions. Sometimes satiety doesnt always happen thats why I said that. Sometimes you have to know you have eaten enough. The purpose of the band is not about restricting the amount of food you eat because the pouch starts dumping the moment food enters it, its about eating and being satisfied for four to five hours after eating. You have to control the amount you put in your mouth.

Everyone has different "full" signs. For me, I get a slightly tight feeling just above the area around my band and, this is a bit gross, but I always burp when I'm just about full. Never did that before the band. LOL. The sandpapery feeling isn't normal...you might be getting a soft stuck so chew chew chew before you swallow. If you still have that feeling and are chewing your foods 20-30 times, it might be acid reflux especially if there's a burning sensation that goes along with it. Pay attention to what you are eating when you get that sandpaper feeling, and avoid those foods. If they are spicy, greasy/fried foods, or chocolate, it is most likely acid reflux. Some people have to get Fluid taken out of their band to get rid of acid reflux, and some can control it with medication and/or diet. I'm very lucky that I've been able to control my acid reflux just by avoiding certain foods.

FYI: It took me 4 fills to get good restriction, and even now (2 years later) I need a small tweak of a fill now and then (usually 0.2-0.5cc's). Some people have good restriction at 4cc's, others more or less. It all depends on the person's anatomy. As you lose weight, your restriction might change because the fat around your stomach will decrease. Everyone is different, so don't fret!

Thank you all for the great comments and suggestions. I am feeling a bit more optimistic!!!!! Thanks again!!!

I would have to disagree withe the poster who said it doesn't restrict the amount of food-because with me it does. I have also read the Dr. Simpson article and I don't agree with everything he says. I can't eat food that I once could and it I push it there is a price to pay. Before my 2nd fill I could eat 2 slices of pizza and did it once. AFter the 3rd fill I tried eating one slice and I got so sick. Now that I have my 4th fill forget it- I can barely finished my soup!

The tennis ball feeling is a stuck episode-sometimes lots of slime comes up at this point. I agree, the sandpaper feeling might be acide reflux-definitely mention it to your doctor.

The band absolutely keeps me from eating. If I eat to much is even one bite it is very uncomfortable. So yes it does keep you from eating.