I had lapband surgery in September 2008. I lost over 80 lbs but I haven't had a fill in several years yet I get stuck from baby carrots w/ranch. If I eat anything after that it just builds up the amount that I eventually throw up and it's a major ordeal. My eyeballs feel as though they're going to pop out of my head my throat hurts and the area of my band hurts. This is why people will eat around the band, to prevent this violent throwing up. Has anyone else experienced this to the point of band removal? How did you recover after the removal? Do they remove both the band and port? Would you recommend removal? I am strongly considering it.

Carrots are not easy to eat with the band. In fact, most raw veggies are difficult. Just because you get stuck on one food doesn't mean you need your band removed- it means either you're not taking small enough bites, chewing well enough, or simply can't handle that specific food.

If you eat after getting stuck then yes, you'll exacerbate the problem and make it worse. If you get stuck eating anything you should immediately stop eating and go to liquids the rest of the day. Otherwise you're only making your stomach more swollen and irritated. It needs time to calm after a big stuck episode.

I would recommend a visit to your bariatric surgeon. Let him help you address the issue.

I am almost 3 years post op and I have not had a fill in over a year and half and actually only had 3 fills this entire time, I do have occasionally episodes days when things seem to get stuck more often or I have an occasional day of Paging. The thing I have noticed most is that all of these episodes are due to either chicken, raw veggies or eating too fast and forgetting to chew, chew, chew. Most times after these stuck episodes I have to switch to Protein shakes. In my personal opinion, the few side effects I have had far out way the risks and complications of my band. I would never have lost 132 lbs with out my band and I have been at goal or below for almost a year now. If you are really concerned discuss your concerns with your surgeon and put the raw fibrous veggies down.

Hope it gets better.