Food sticking in throat

[JustJude 0]

I had my lapband surgery on May 18, 2010. I have only lost 21 lbs and most of that was in the beginning. I am not gaining any weight but also am not losing either. I am struggling with food sticking in my throat when I eat. My Doctor has done two barium swallows and a scope to see if there was any physical reason for this but found nothing. I have to drink Water to get the food down or I sometimes have to throw it up. What am I doing wrong and can anyone who has experienced this help me out?

[elcee 3,341]

You may have first bite syndrome.

What you may need to do is drink something warm before you start eating to help relax your band/throat. Take a small initial bite of something that you know should go down fine, make sure you chew it really well and then wait a couple of minutes before you carry on eating.

Also make sure the food that you are choosing is moist as dry food often causes problems.

[JustJude 0]

That might help. Also what size of a bite should I be taking?

[elcee 3,341]

Small. About the size you would feed to a toddler.

If you want to look up first bite syndrome do a search on this site - I think there are a number of threads/posts.

[futurelookinghealthy 0]

I've only been banded since 09/02 with only 1 fill and I too seem to have the feeling of something sticking in my throat but usually only the first bite. If I get up and walk for a minute it generally goes away and then I can finish my meal.

[Melissannde 41]

The size of bites I was told to take is the size of a pencil eraser or a small pea. I don't always use that small of a bite, but I do when I'm having issues.

I've also heard it suggested to use child or toddler size utensils, or even a cocktail fork to help keep the bites small in size. I've never done that, just put small amounts on my spoon/fork, but it might not hurt to try.

Hope you feel better soon.