just how big is the opening

[christina353 1]

So I just started mushy foods. I am afraid to eat thanks to all of the stories about being stuck and vomiting. Can someone please give me some idea of the size of the stoma is it like a dime, a quarter, what am I aiming for:cursing:

[kab1278 3]

I have been banded since 8/24 and have not once thrown up. I have taken a bite of too dry pork that made me uncomfortable for 15 minutes. It felt like a place below my sternum was very irritated and closed off. That is the best I can describe it.

I think the reason why I haven't had any worse issues than that onee time of being very uncomfortable is that I am very cautious. I listen to my doctor, nutritionist, and what people say on here and out it into practice. They say little bite, I take a little bite. They say make sure the meat is tender and moist, and I make sure it is (after that one ooops).

Don't be afraid of the food. Just be careful and follow directions, and I bet you'll be just fine!

Oh...and I have no idea how big the opening is. Sorry.

[pixistix 1]

Since you're just post-op, the reason the opening is small is because of swelling. Everybody's different, so I can't tell you the exact size of the opening.

During the mushy stage, you're eating food that's the consistency of baby food, so you shouldn't have a problem. Just pause between bites and see how you feel.

You'll get the hang of it in no time.

[jigglebutt1 0]

Hey BandBuddy!

I saw a photo and still cant recall the size. I would guess (without a starter fill as some drs do) its a half dollar? My photos seemed to show the band kinda floating around the stomach for now. That doesnt allow for any swelling though. With swelling not sure. Wow, not a lot of help am I?

I am afraid to eat as well so I can relate. I am just going slow and taking tiny bites.

What are you eating? So curious because I dont seem to have a lot of ideas. I am picky and have a gag reflex with a lot of things. My dr suggested chicken salad & egg salad pureed. NO WAY. I am not eating pureed meat or baby food-just know I will gag and am avoiding throwing up at all costs!

[anewlife10 0]

my dr said to take tiny bites and chew enough until you think it would fit threw a straw..... which is tiny!! I was only banded a week ago, so i havent had any food yet, but I am nervous for when its time.

[Catherine55 43]

People generally say that the opening is the size of a pencil eraser. Right now, you have no fill -- but you might be swollen from surgery, so your opening might be a different size.

Don't be too scared. Just try little bites, remember to chew, and wait for your first bite to go down before you do another one. You'll be fine. I was scared at that point, too. But it wound up being totally OK.

BTW, be sure to take your measurements if you haven't yet! And take a bunch of before pics if you haven't yet. You are definitely going to want them later!

Best wishes,

Catherine

[Sun Rae 7]

I'm glad you started this thread. I start on mushies next Tuesday and I have been so nervous about it. I keep thinking, "full liquids are not bad - I think I could continue to do this indefinitely" LOL I know we are not supposed to be afraid, but I feel like I will just panic if/when I get something stuck.:sneaky:

[StrangeDz 1]

Papaya pills are a blessing if you do get stuck. I keep some with me always!

[christina353 1]

Papaya pills are a blessing if you do get stuck. I keep some with me always!

How does papaya help. And how soon after eating something will you have a problem ? I am starting to get weak.

[Sun Rae 7]

I've never heard of Papaya pills. Is it something that you chew if you get stuck? Where do you get them?

[StrangeDz 1]

I've never heard of Papaya pills. Is it something that you chew if you get stuck? Where do you get them?

Yeah they are a chew-able enzyme tablets that helps break down what ever is stuck. They take about 5 minutes to kick in.

I get mine at Wal-Mart for about 5 bucks a bottle. They sell them at Walgreens too. In the Vitamin section.:thumbup:

[2beskinny 4]

I had my first fill @ 4 weeks post op under fluro. I was wearing an underwire bra at the time. The doc (my surgeon) pointed out to me that the opening was the same width as the wire on my bra (it was!). I try and recall that image when I find myself eating too fast. Now, don't freak out about how small that is...it also has elasticity and will stretch to accommodate the food traveling through :thumbup: Just remember that chewing is part of the digestive process. You have to do a little more chewing (well, alot more!) because we have reduced the opening to our stomachs!

[BetsyB 9]

I was told that if I didn't swallow solid food larger than a pencil eraser, I'd be a-okay. This has been a great rule of thumb for me.