I've had my band since August, 2006 and have lost about 27 pounds. Recently I had a fill to 9.5 cm in an 11 cm VG band. (I know, that's pretty tight.) Since this last fill, I've definitely felt restricted.

I've had a number of incidents where, upon taking the first bite of a meal, I begin coughing and ultimately spit up the bite along with a large amount of thick saliva. There seems to be no particular pattern, except that it is more likely to happen when I'm very hungry and presumably haven't chewed adequately.

Questions: Is this what's meant by 'pb'ing'?

Is there a reliable way to prevent it? (I know, chew well, eat slowly...)

Does this mean I'm too tight?

Does this do damage to the band? Should I just tolerate it if I'm losing?

Advice, please.

TO me, it sounds like you are definately too tight. I would maybe have a little un-fill and see what happens. That seems like an awful lot to have in your band, and you should be able to eat without coughing your food back up. And I don't think it can be good for your band, either. I wouldn't tolerate it, I would go back to my doc and get loosened a little.

Yep, that's what it is, all right. Have you tried having a warm drink before eating to loosen your band somewhat? I never eat breakfast til I've had two cups of coffee....it just won't go down. I've just got 7.5 in a 10cc band and don't think I could handle any more restriction. I'd rather work on losing by keeping my carbs low (under 40 net carbs) than depending entirely on the band.