Gosh, you all talk about this PB thing like it's the worst thing you've ever experienced! I'm not banded yet, but I'm reconsidering this decision based off these horrible vurping stories. Is it really as bad as it sounds?

Hi, we have the same date! What you have to remember about PBing is that it happens for a reason - didn't chew enough, ate to fast etc. I don't know if there is anyone out there that has never PBed but for most it doesn't happen often. Please correct me if I am wrong? It can't be more painful then developing weight related co-morbids if I don't have this done.

IMO the good out weighs the bad.

I hope you stick with it.

BTW - I love your blog. Great title. I have bookmarked it for future reference!

Yes, it really is painful. I am not even going to pretend or lie. But.... it is avoidable. Some of us just have the need to "test" the band. Maybe to see if it is still there? I dunno, but I did after my fill.

Is it worth it? Yes. I know the band is there. I know it works. I am much more careful now. Therefore, I do feel the "soft stops" and I quit. Yes, I wouldn't trade the band to stop the possibility of a PB in no way shape or form.

Once you PB (a full blown PB), you try to avoid it at all costs.

Everything has a good and a bad side. The magnificent results you will have come with a slight disclaimer of the PB. When you start losing your weight, it isn't a huge price to pay, trust me.

My first PB was very scary, but much less so because I knew what was happening, thanks to everyone on this board. It was exactly as described, but I never will be able to explain it in mere words. You just have to experience it to know. Yep, PB's are scary, painful, aggravating, and something to avoid at all costs. So you adjust. You slow down, you chew, you take smaller bites. Then you don't PB, and the Band does it's job. I personally wouldn't give up my band just to never PB again. Since there is a way to avoid it, well, it ain't so bad.

I'm only 5 weeks out now with a 1.8cc fill. I havn't had a PB yet, but came real close . A small piece of left over pizza tried to get me. I had the tightening in the chest and the fear of god panic - for just about 10 minutes - then it went down. I would like to say I've learned my lesson and that it will never happen again - but, never say never.

Thanks y'all. I think I may be able to handle the occasional vurp after all. I've dealt with kidney stones every 6 months, I think the PB effect may even take a back burner to that.

puddinpie if you let the potential "rough stuff" manage your life, you'd never do anything fun. Like drive a car....or swim....or go to baseball games. You get the picture?

Yeah, I'm here to testify...a PB is NO FUN. *however*...it's something that is under my control. So while it sucks, I know better now how to prevent them. I've had two really bad ones and one medium bad one. It's been now a week and half since my last one and now I recognize the first "pinch" and I stop. Put food down. Wait.

A PB is not a reason to avoid getting an amazing little band! I've lost 40 lbs since June. It's AAAAALLLL good!!

A full blow PB is a walk in the park compaired with a kindey stone. Walk in the park.

An ocassional PB is worth the 95 lbs Ive lost in 17 months for sure!!

I have probably PBed 6 times in 17 months

I was banded on 8/16/05. I will have my first fill on 9/30. I am curious about the "PB". I had an episode when I was eating mashed potatoes where I ate a few bites and it felt like a bowling ball was trying to go through the band and also like I had to puke, but I was able to keep it down. Please fill me in on the PB.

I had an episode when I was eating mashed potatoes where I ate a few bites and it felt like a bowling ball was trying to go through the band and also like I had to puke, but I was able to keep it down.

Iti s when that bite produces the bowling ball feeling and will not go down and your mouth starts to Water and you get a nasty mouth full of slime and it keeps goin on until that bite comes back up!