I can't figure out what some of the things I feel mean. Yesterday, I tried to eat a chicken breast. About half way through, I get a horrible tight feeling in the middle of my chest, just below the bra line. Is that what full feels like? Or am I stuck? I've never had a PB or thrown up. This tight feeling makes me either stand up or lay flat till it goes away. I'm sure if I eat another bite at this point, there would be consequences.

I just don't know how to interpret the feeling. It seems to be only certain foods that cause it - buns (hamburger or hot dog), chicken and ham so far. Maybe I'm eating too fast? I just don't know what to do about it.

I hope someone can interpret for me.

Thank you! (yes, I have the feeling right now from a hamburger)

Is this where the papaya enzyme comes in handy? I have seen the pills both chewable and regular. I plan on getting them soon. I have surgery on the 5th so I wont quite need them for a while.. but was wondering if they help in this situation if it comes up later.

I get this problem too mostly with tough beef or dry chicken and waiting too long to eat. Went out for dinner one night took 1 bite and BAM! immediate pain and did a lot of spitting up for 20-30 minutes (sorry, gross I know) boxed up my food and had for lunch the next day with no trouble. I also have to remember to slow down and chew, chew, chew. With all that I am still very glad I was banded.

Most people report only PBing the chunk of food that was stuck. When this happens to me I loose my entire meal and then remarkable I am not hungry for at least 4hrs. I like most others find this with real protein. Chicken, pork and some fish. I don't seem to have problems with mixed foods like casseroles, enchiladas, chili, tacos, I love a good grilled pork chop or chicken breast. I don't think I can chew long enough or eat slowly enough to keep these down at this time.

I was banded 2 weeks ago -- so think this thread is very interesting -- just started puree/soft-- and feel like a lump in the throat after eating scrambled egg... it does not hurt --- but from what I THINK I interpreted-- it will go away in time- yes?

Also-- what is PBing? (not peanut butter I am sure :-)

It is difficult to think of what is suitable to eat -- the thought of pureed anything is gross --

but-- am losing weight -- and to reflect on someone's earlier post--- yes, it is a helluva way to do it .. but got myself IN this shape that required it... and am determined to only get better. Have a great weekend all!

I think there are different degrees of stuck.

Even before my Lapband surgery, I had this condition with these esophogeal rings (where my esophagus is constricted at a point) and I would get stuck prior to the lapband. I have had some issues since getting my band too.

I guess I've been dealing with this for about 5 years to some degree.

Sometimes, it's a moderate experience getting stuck. You just have to wait and let it pass through. It sometimes takes a minute, and it sometimes takes longer. This still happens with my band.

But if you get REALLY stuck, you will know it. Seriously. LOL Several months ago, I went to the ER because I had gotten stuck eating steak (this was before my band) and for 3 hours, I was just miserable and in pain and the saliva won't stop. After 3 hours, I didn't think it was going to resolve on its own, so I sought help. (It did resolve, the gross way, while I was waiting to be seen.)

I have gotten stuck rather badly ONCE since the band - just last week. It took a bit less than 2 hours for it to resolve. It was awful. Something like that definitely cannot play out around other people.