UCK! Help,

I was banded in December of 2008 and have lost 40lbs so far but I still battle with food getting stuck. My GP says maybe I need to "prime the pump" but as we all know the drink prior to meals is a no no. But I tryto chew very samll bites and sometimes I don't even get three bites in and wham I'm in pain for an hour. My surgeon says I may be eating too fast but if I only get three bites in how can it be too fast? I had a problem with GERD prior to lapband sugery and have heard that may have scarred the bottom of my throat? Anyway this is not the way i want to eat the rest of my life!!

What foods make you PB? And you can drink up to a few minutes before meals, can't you? What does your surgeon say? PB's are almost always caused by a person eating too much, too large a bite, not chewing well (or eating a food that won't be chewed well) or eating too fast. Are you SURE you aren't doing this? How large are your bites?

My surgeon suggests drinking before meals, but not during or after - for just the reason you mention - lubrication for the coming food.

Teeny tiny bites and chewing well are the keys to not getting stuck. Also, if I get stuck more than two meals in a row, my next meal or two are shakes - give my stomach/pouch a bit of a rest.

xoxo

My Dr. also has me not drinking for 30 minutes before I eat. But Protein really fills me up fast and makes me uncomfortable. Today, as soon as I felt that feeling like pain was coming, I put my food aside and ate a little more 10 minutes later. Yesterday, I actually did "prime the pump" a little and continued to take a few tiny sips to avoid the pain.

shakes are a really good idea. At least I know I'm getting enough protein. Especially for Breakfast when I seem to have the most restriction. I like the Atkins shakes. 15g protein. Are you drinking plenty of fluids in between meals?