I was banded in late March of 08. I have been following the band rules for the most part and have had no troubles - except for a long plateau of no weight loss/gain for 8 weeks. I had my 4th fill (my doctor is very conservative with the fills) earlier last week. On Friday, I had some broccoli steamed in the microwave at work (with some stem attached). I ate it while at my desk working without cutting it up, and ate too big pieces and too fast. The reaction was swift and scary. For one full hour I was in utter agony. The food wouldn't go up or down - sweat dripping down my face - if I hadn't known what what happening (thanks to this site) I would have thought I was having a heart attack. I threw up 5 times and slimed too. I immediately called my docs office and spoke with a nurse. I was told to go onto clear liquids, and progress to mushies & then solids like after surgery. I recovered well and am now well versed on WHAT NOT TO DO TO AVOID THAT SITUATION EVER, EVER, EVER AGAIN! I believe that I have learned the true meaning of what the band is capable of doing and will treat it and myself with much more respect and mindfulness in the future!