I was about six months post op and visiting friends. We all sat down for dinner (grilled pork chops, broccoli, and mashed potatoes) I found the smallest pork chop got some broccoli and a little mashed potatoes on my plate and thought "OH" this is going to be so good.

We were just having general chit-chat over dinner and I was not paying attention to my chewing. I guess it was about 3 bites into my meal and I knew I was in trouble. I didn’t have time to excuse myself; I knew I had to leave the table and I had to leave now. I either ate too fast or didn’t chew well enough and bam I could feel the tightness in my chest. I knew I had an elephant on my chest and he wasn’t moving. Earl scooched down and made himself very comfortable, no matter what I did to move him, he wasn’t budging.

I was in the restroom for over an hour; I had all sorts of visions running through my head about how to make this tightness in my chest stop. I thought of the car thief who uses a coat hanger to break in, I thought maybe I could perform surgery on myself and remove the band, the longer the episode lasted the more crazy my thought process became.

My friend came and knocked on the door and said my plate was still on the table (Are you kidding me I have been in here over an hour and the last thing I want to think about is eating again) no I’m good go ahead and remove my plate.

After an hour and half my PB from H E double hockey stick came to an end. My poor friends kept coming and checking on me to make sure I was ok; talk about being embarrassed and humiliated at the same time. I was exhausted by the time the whole experience was over. I came out of the restroom to a standing ovation (yeah really). Of course I was asked if I was still happy with my decision to have the band and I answered with a “You better believe it”.

So if you can learn anything from my experience I would hope it would be one of three things.

A.Don’t eat and carry on a conversation at the same time.

B.Don’t experience a PB (Productive Burp)for over an half hour without contacting your surgeon.

C.Avoid Elephants named Earl they are not nice elephants.

I have not had a pork chop to this day.

Edited June 10, 200818 yr by CoachCher

This just came to mind.....I really enjoy big salads from time to time and usally just chop up the salad leaves pretty big. Is salad a hard item to eat?

I personally don't have a problem with salads but some bandsters do. It just depends on the individual.

PAPAYA ENZYME is a great digestive chewable tablet that helps with dealing with EARL. You can get them at the GNC store and they were recommended by my surgeon. I chewed three of them and immediatley the pain was leaving. I thought I was having a heart attack. Try it they are inexspensive $2.99 for 90 tablets. You will be glad to keep them with you everywhere you go. One for the car, office and home. :thumbup:

Hello, everyone I had lapband on May 12,2008 so far Ive lost 35 pounds,but Ive starting having pain on my left side that comes and goes anyone having this problem.

"I thought maybe I could perform surgery on myself and remove the band, the longer the episode lasted the more crazy my thought process became."

Yes I too have had THIS thought lol. I was able to calm myself down and settle on having the "damn thing removed tomorrow". I lived through it and no did not have it removed (Thank God on both accounts lol)

Thank-You for sharing :frown: makes the rest of us feel like we are not alone when we have issues such as this!

does it really hurt that bad???? >.> kind of discouraging thought lol :thumbup:

I haven't had surgery yet, but my Dr. office gave me the following advice. if food sticks try a teaspoon of meat tenderizer in a glass of warm water sipped slowly. Does that work?

Yes it does but you can learn from my experience :tt1:)

If you ever reach the point I reached you will try anything. I personally have never used that method but I'm sure it works.

Hello, everyone I had lapband on May 12,2008 so far Ive lost 35 pounds,but Ive starting having pain on my left side that comes and goes anyone having this problem.

Congratulations on your loss; you are doing amazing.

I would contact my surgeon not sure why you are experiencing pain on the left side.

i bet that was awful well my pb came from eating eggs and turkey bacon. i was talking with my children at the table. next thing i knew i was eating and talking and pushed from the table and flew to the bathroom. i was jumping around trying to get it down, swinging my arms. To no avail i said damm here it goes. oh what a relief it was!!!(smile). i have learned my lesson eat and don't talk yuck

Oh my! I am being banded on 5/08/09. I am such a speedy eater, years of being a wiatress (many moons ago) I can scarf down a meal in 5 mins. or less. I know I have to slow down and I am trying. I'm so afraid of Earl! Lord I have to slow down! I even drink fast! I'm in trouble I think. Well wish me luck and say a prayer, I will need it all! Good luck to all here. thanks for the wonderful posts, they really do help...Betz:eek: