Pain With Eating

[KCGFNP 5]

I've been banded since Nov 2011. Since my last fill I'm at 6.5 ml and when I eat solid food it hurts all the way down. Not like a stuck sensation, but actual pain. Once the food goes through I have no pain. I'm starting to worry. It all started after last fill I got stuck and had to make myself throw up. My dr is in another state, and I found a new surgeon who can't see me until the 1st. Should I go to the ER?

[Savannah26 26]

I've been banded since Nov 2011. Since my last fill I'm at 6.5 ml and when I eat solid food it hurts all the way down. Not like a stuck sensation, but actual pain. Once the food goes through I have no pain. I'm starting to worry. It all started after last fill I got stuck and had to make myself throw up. My dr is in another state, and I found a new surgeon who can't see me until the 1st. Should I go to the ER?

Are you properly chewing and eating slow? I was banded on Jan. 31st and have 7cc in my 11cc band. I have always eaten soooooooooooo slow - frustratingly slow - and chewed my food to death - so I have the problem of my food sliding right through the band, thus not getting "satisfied" soon enough. Needless to say, I have never gotten sick and my weight loss is also frustratingly slower than expected. If you feel that you should have Fluid removed, definitely do that. I would probably personally wait it out, maybe do liquids for a couple of days, then back to the basics, mushies, etc. I welcome the day when I feel too tight..... hopefully then I can start really losing the weight. Good luck - keep in touch!

[2muchfun 8,928]

KCG,

Me too. Banded in November, 5 fills now. My pain started on fill #3 and has increased with each fill. I'd say about 60% of my meals I have some pain or discomfort. It's hard to get used to taking real small bites and chewing a lot. I usually get about 3 bites into a meal and have to stop for 5 minutes while my stomach massages/gyrates the food through the portal. I get the message and eat smaller bites and chew more. I wouldn't call the ER. It sounds normal to me?

I think bread with crust is the hardest. Or, dry foods, thick foods like meat.

And isn't it odd how after the pain subsides I can eat much easier? Maybe our stomachs secrete enough fluids after that first intake to lube the other food through? Still able to eat too much though. I'm thinking one more fill but it scares the crap out of me that I might find it even harder to pass food and experience more pain. Small fill maybe?

[KCGFNP 5]

It so weird! It's definately a sharp pain that does get better through the meal. I did manage to have an upper gi scheduled 1st thing in am! Thank God! I am worried. I will keep ya posted.

[superluli 17]

Hey! I was handed in November like you and have about the same CCs in my band as you. I get this pain, you feel the food going through your asophegus and it hurts, then once it passes the pain is gone. it lasted for one bite when I was at my second fill, now it's the first 3-4 bites and longer if I don't chew well.

Here's how I avoid it: have something hot beforehand, Soup or tea, it relaxes your stomach. While you cook nibble on a few things, chew them really well while standing up, by the time you sit down you'll have gone past that first bite syndrome. Chew chew chew and rest your fork between bites. It's a long boring process to eat so keep busy with conversation or tv or a book or something...

The pain is mostly in your chest right? I think it is something normal with the band...

[2muchfun 8,928]

Luli, Great advice. I thought about the warm liquids but never followed up on it. I'll try that because it does seem like the area around the band has tightened up or is exceptionally dry?

[adorkbl 156]

Here's how I avoid it: have something hot beforehand, Soup or tea, it relaxes your stomach. While you cook nibble on a few things, chew them really well while standing up, by the time you sit down you'll have gone past that first bite syndrome. Chew chew chew and rest your fork between bites. It's a long boring process to eat so keep busy with conversation or tv or a book or something...

The pain is mostly in your chest right? I think it is something normal with the band...

Great advice!!! The first bite syndrome can really throw off the whole meal and make it painful to eat. I think you are experiencing normal pain from perhaps not chewing well enough, or too fast. Hopefully the upper GI rules any problems out.

[KCGFNP 5]

Great advice Luli! I hope that's what it is. The pain in at the base of my sternum, it goes away as soon as it passes! I'm happy you all posted I feel better knowing im not the only one!

[KCGFNP 5]

Ok guys!! My band is in place! All looked ok on UGI!! It's just tight and I need to take way smaller bites! Gonna try the hot beverage too! Thanks for all the great advice!

[adorkbl 156]

Glad to hear all is ok. Now work on those chops!! Chew chew chew.