ok so i am wondering what if someone has the lapband and they choke on food so they need the heimlich manuver done wouldnt that hurt them and possibly rupture something ?

Well, theoretically anything that increases intrabdominal pressure *could* cause damage - coughing, sneezing, holding your breath and even doing number twos.

its very unlikely, particularly since if you choke, the item you choke on is in your throat not your stomach. But them again, the heimlich isnt that safe anyway - you break ribs, puncture a lung, etc. I'd think if you were choking badly enough, its more important to save your life.

But they recommend a good hard upward directed blow to the back these days, not the heimlich.

Yes in Australia we do not teach the Heimlich as it causes too many problems. You can damage the liver,kidneys, spleen etc but the most likely scenario is that you do it incorrectly and put pressure on the stomach therefore forcing the stomach contents up which when you have a blockage in your oesophagus is obviously not a good idea!

The first aid here is:-

Get the person to relax, breath and cough.

If this does not bring it up move on to upto 5 back blows.These should be done with the person leaning forward(seated is easiest) and are done in an upwards movement between the shoulder blades.

If these don't work you then do 5 chest thrusts. Hand on front in CPR position - hand on back in equivalent position. Bring hands in together at same time.

Obviously if you haven't removed the object you need to call 911/000/112 or whatever.

Repeat back blows , then chest thrusts etc.

If person loses consciousness/stops breathing commence CPR.

HTH.