I've read a lot about the PB thing. I'm wondering what it feels like? I kind of have a fear about choking anyway. Does it feel like you are choking? That is how I imagine it.

Also, what do you do the first few weeks especially if you have to be at a dinner where you can't eat ANYTHING? I'm not telling anyone about my decision so how do I explain it? I know it was always bad enough when I was lowcarbing and would try to get out of eating, but this is much worse if I'm still on liquids or mush.

And if you don't plan to tell people, what do you say when they start asking about the weight loss?

Thanks!

Isn't there anyone out there who can please help me out with these questions? I would appreciate it.

I can't help you with what to do at dinner time, or what to tell people, because everyone I know knows about my situation. The PB'ing for me feels like I took one bite too many and its going to come back up. First I have a pain in my chest that feels like I swallowed a golf ball, which is on fire. I usually run for the bathroom, burp, then it all comes back up. It never hurts or bothers me at all when it comes back up. It happens about once a month for me and it usually happens when I'm not paying attention to chewing or I'm eating too fast. You'll learn to slow down with eating. And for me it happens with solid food only.

I usually excuse myself to the bathroom. If it's a public restroom, I'll flush the toilet while pbing so no one can hear me.

I doesn't feel like choking to me at all. Actually, the quicker I get rid of something that's stuck, the less painful and difficult it is to pb. Sometimes I open my mouth and bend over the toilet and it sort of just falls out. Other times it needs a little help.

I know all bandsters are really fearful of pbing but it really isn't that bad. Just like everything else in life, you learn to adapt.

What kind of dinner do you expect to not be able to eat anything?

If it's during your pre or post op diet, you can always say that your doctor has you on a very strict temporary diet due to some digestive issues you're having, but not to worry, this temporary diet is sure to clear up the issue, and bring your own Protein Shake, or broth or whatever you CAN have, and don't feel obligated to tell them anything else. It's really none of their business, anyway.

OR, you can tell them you're not feeling well, and not go.... There are several ways around this, it's up to you how to handle it. Just remember, it really is none of their business unless you decide to make it their business. If someone presses you, just tell them you're not comfortable talking about it.