I had my lap band on August 2008 and have not had any problems other than an occasional food blockage. Lost 90 pounds and at 8o years old I feel great but could lose another 30 pounds. Today I am in trouble. I made the mistake of having grilled chicken for lunch it was to dry and I am now blocked. It has been 3 hours and it will not break up. I tried walking , sipping hot tea which only caused slimming. So while I am not in any discomfort I cannot drink or eat. Does any one have any suggestions. I do not want to go to the ER. Any advice would be appreciated. Herb

Edited May 19, 20179 yr by harmonyherb

I had my lap band on August 2008 and have not had any problems other than an occasional food blockage. Lost 90 pounds and at 8o years old I feel great but could lose another 30 pounds. Today I am in trouble. I made the mistake of having grilled chicken for lunch it was to dry and I am now blocked. It has been 3 hours and it will not break up. I tried walking , sipping hot tea which only caused slimming. So while I am not in any discomfort I cannot drink or eat. Does any one have any suggestions. I do not want to go to the ER. Any advice would be appreciated. Herb

When I had the band and had that feeling I would force myself to throw up-- i have been told if u go to the ER they will remove all the fluid from ur band

Thanks for comeback Cali, I really do not want to spend the night in the ER. Is there a chance that it will go down on it own or if I keep drinking warm water.

Thanks for comeback Cali, I really do not want to spend the night in the ER. Is there a chance that it will go down on it own or if I keep drinking warm water.

I've never experienced that-- try massaging the area where u feel the discomfort u may be able to push it down

Dear Harmonyherb,

Papaya Enzyeme works wonders for food that is stuck. I take it and it really helps can buy it over the counter its not that expensive and like 30 mins later you should feel better. it helps break up food that is stuck

The blockage finally got cleared after 4 hours. I was bringing up some blood which scared me. I must have scrapped the esophagus wall with the stuck piece of chicken. Once the blockage cleared I had some jello and went to sleep. Had a good night hope I can down some oatmeal for breakfast. Thanks for the reply. Herb

Edited May 20, 20179 yr by harmonyherb

Hi Ashley,

I will pick some up tomorrow. I had oatmeal for breakfast and thank God it went down fine. What a scare, this was the worst blockage in 8 years. I will find a Bariatric doctor near our home in New Jersey where we moved to 21/2 years ago. I am starting to get nervous about the lap band after 8 years. I will be 81 in August and I am not very thrilled about the prospect of surgery. Perhaps all will be okay after a few days, but I will put my self under a doctor's care to make sure there are no further complications. Thanks so much for your reply and suggestion. Have a great weekend. Herb

I have heard that meat tenderizer can help clear up blockages but I have never tried that. Generally I force myself to vomit.

According to the internet:

The most common meat tenderizer used in India is raw (un-ripened) papaya
The leaves, and green skin of raw papaya contain an enzyme called Papain. The connective tissue in the meat breaks down when it comes in contact with Papain. Papaya is preferred tenderizer for red meat (Lamb, Mutton, Goat, Beef). It can be used for fowl. The preferred tenderizer for fowl is Yogurt.

Glad you are better.

Thanks James,

It seems that papaya enzyme is the most popular meat tenderizer used to help dissolve food blockage. What difference a day makes. I feel great, had a good breakfast, took my wife out to lunch and now waiting for my son to join us for dinner at our condo. The relief is amazing. I was quite scared when I started to bring up blood with my slime. I think I am fine but will definiitely put myself back under the care of a Bariatric doctor. Thanks to all for your comments and support. Regards, Herb

Yeh only way is to make your self throw up, only thingthat worked for me when I had the band

When I had my band I experienced one quite severe blockage. I drank some fizzy drink which induced lots of burping and cleared the blockage.

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Hello all, I want to thank all of you who responded to my original post. I am now fine with no blockage and no discomfort. I wonder if I should put my self under a bariatric doctor now that I am living in New Jersey I will be 81 in August and I guess it would be a good idea. I am a singer with an a cappella chorus so breath control is important and the last thing I need is a reflux problem. Thanks again for all of your good suggestions and support. Hugs from Harmony Herb