Reflux & hunger

[JerseyShoreDisneyDiva 113]

I am 2 1/2 months post op. Two fills, now at 6cc. Had a nice Breakfast (Hungry Girl Hula Scramble) containing plenty of Protein. As soon as I eat I can feel it just sitting in my throat. I don't choke on any of my food. I have never had a stuck episode or a PB as some of you refer to. It sort of burns the back of my throat. Nothing terribly painful but annoying nonetheless. It does go away a little while after eating. Not even 2 hours later I feel like I am starving. However, I just drink Water and wait til it's been 4 hours untiI eat again. I don't think I'm too tight because I would think I would not be so hungry and as I said, nothing has come back up. Has anyone experienced anything like this?

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

Burning at the back of the throat can be a sign of reflux, and reflux can be a sign that your band is a bit too tight. A small unfill can relieve that. Also, when I had esophageal dilation, one of the symptoms I had (that I didn't know was related to dilation at the time) was burning, pressure, and general discomfort at the back of my throat. It turned out that my esophagus had stopped moving food into my stomach, so the food sat in my esophagus for far too long - it was literally just at the back of my throat.

It's definitely something you should tell your surgeon about. In the meantime, you can try taking omeprazole (available over the counter) and make sure you're using good band eating skills - take tiny bites, chew very well, eat slowly, etc.

[JerseyShoreDisneyDiva 113]

Thanks, Jean. I just figured that since I am constantly hungry that I couldn't be too tight but I will check this out. Thank you.

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

Thanks, Jean. I just figured that since I am constantly hungry that I couldn't be too tight but I will check this out. Thank you.

Keep in mind that physical hunger isn't just a function of your fill level. It's also related to your food choices. solid food provides early and prolonged satiety, while liquid & soft foods (even "healthy" ones like Protein Shakes, cottage cheese, yogurt, SF pudding, etc.) or "slider" foods (such as thin, crispy foods - potato chips, thin crackers, popcorn) do not. Try to emphasize dense fish (halibut instead of flounder, for example), animal Protein (like poultry, pork, beef), non-starchy veggies, and fruits.