Frequentfliermom

I had them a few times before surgery--and now will get it I eat too fast/too big a bite. THEY HURT. Seriously, the first time I had one I thought it was a heart attack. Total pressure/pain in the chest area. For some, I think it radiates to the back. They usually pass (for me anyway) after about 20 minutes. I literally have to leave the table if i'm in public and go to Ladies room...can't hardly talk or walk. Here's how Web MD describes symptoms: Most people with this condition have chest pain that may spread outward to the arms, back, neck, or jaw. This pain can feel similar to a heart attack. If you have chest pain, you should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible to rule out or treat cardiac disease. Other symptoms include difficulty or inability to swallow food or liquid, pain with swallowing, the feeling that food is caught in the center of the chest, and a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn).

Does it fade after a little while? Could be esophageal spasm. I get those if I eat too fast or too big a piece of food. They can really hurt!

I had a friend who did the band about two years before me--but she and i both have the same experience. Right after the band, it is quite tight for 24-48 hours--then for about two weeks it is pretty loose--like no change. Then, after 2-3 weeks, it really kicks in. PA reminds me that the stomach is a living organ and will change over time.

Thanks--I am not nearly so far along (just got my fill up to 6.5, think I'm getting into green zone) but I can tell what you are saying is true. if I start to eat fast or too much (old habits not dead yet) I get tight--or even get a esophageal spasm (yikes those hurt). It's my band telling me to stop/slow down. Never dreamt of getting it loosened--it's the whole reason I had the surgery, after all. As my doctor preaches, it's only a TOOL to help me get get healthy--the rest is still up to me.

I fly quite a bit and have had no problems with band tightening.

First fill tomorrow

Let us know how that first fill goes

Just got back from my post-op appointment and all is going well. My energy is definitely returning and I am down 19 pounds. Really looking forward to my first fill on March 26.

gas pains were awful for me for about two weeks..they have settled down now. Gas X helped a bit relieving them, but not entirely. It will get better

Here's a crustless cheesecake recipe I made up. Of course you can nonfat sour cream, but I am fine with just the cottage cheese: Servings 2Original Recipe Yield 2 small pie tins Ingredients8 oz. non-fat cottage cheese 1/2 cup sugar substitute (I use Whey-Low) 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla DirectionsCream the cottage cheese in a blender until smooth. Add egg and sugar substitute and vanilla. Take small (tart size) pie tin and spray with cooking spray. Cook at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. By the way I don't see many people comment on WheyLow--I love it.

Hope you are doing well now that you are a few days out...

So glad to hear it is going well for you! I like the thought of being peaceful around food..

Hi Bliss....I am still a little uncomfortable at times...still taking the mild pain meds occasionally. (maybe 2-3 times in 24 hours) It's really more discomfort than pain. Starting to actually get hunger pangs...but it takes very little to make me feel full. I overdid the second day--feeling better than I thought Then spent the third and fourth days sleeping Still getting sleepy

Got banded February 11. Still recovering--a little slower than I expected. However, so far I am happy I did it. Lost 16 lb already! I know it won't keep up at that pace, but it's nice to have a good start. Slowly regaining ability to drink more than a sip at a time. But this morning, I was thirsty and drank my Crystal Light too fast--ouch! Guess that's what they mean about learning to listen to your body.