mannyfromaus

Hi all, I was banded 18 months ago and have been very happy with my progress, I have lost about 100 pounds, and have had minimal complications. I do have a concern though, and while I plan to raise this with my doctor, I was hoping some of you may have some comments or thoughts: * Discomfort while eating- I have not become "blocked" or had any sort of PB for at least a year. Nor do I get reflux or any major pain. However, about 8 times out of 10 when I eat something solid- even well-chewed, small amounts, I do "feel" it.. by this I mean I feel some slight discomfort in my chest.. usually only for a minute or less, there is no lasting pain. I am not even sure if I would call it discomfort- it is not really unpleasant, just somewhat strange- I am just aware of the progress of what I have just swallowed moving through me.. which just seems a bit disconcerting sometime. Sometimes it feels as if the food pauses, and then slips through- but it is generally higher up in my chest- is this an issue? I am not really bothered by it if it is normal, but I guess I worry if it is an issue with my oesphogus??? I guess I want to know- do others who have been banded eat without felling any sort of sensation in their throat or chest? Thanks in advance for any feedback. Manny

Thanks to everyone for sharing, and especially for Cam- being from Melbourne the specific details really help. I can live without a "real"belly button- after all I have lived my whole life as a young man with stretch marks and man boobs :confused: Cam- I had my surgery just a month after you- you seem to be doing really well- congratulations!

Hi there, I will be there if I can find a way to get there on PT.. which shouldn't be a problem- I am fairly resourceful with getting my way around without a car. Manny

Thnaks fo your response, it does sound similar, now that you mention it is usually the first few bites and then settles. Does this bother you? Is it the sign of a problem or just part of being banded? I am fine if that is the case... Manny

Greetings from Australia, My name is Emmanual and I was banded 2 months ago. Yesterday I got a sudden pain in my upper/middle back- in between my shoulder blades. I am worried that this is referred pain from my stomach, and that something is wrong with the band or my stomach. The pain is not severe, it is quite mild- I don't even feel the need for pain killers- but it is definitely there. I have no other symptoms, I can keep Fluid and food down fine.. no reflux. If the pain is still there tomorrow I will see my doctor, but in the meantime if anyone can advise if they are aware of back pain being a symptom of problems with the band please let me know. Thanks in advance, Manny