Heimlich on Lapbanders?

[kim2bhealthy 3]

I had a strange question yesterday at work. I was eating a banana, took too big a bite, and thought "UH OH", I'm gonna get stuck". Luckily the banana went down fairly easily and I avoided my first PB. My friend at work wondered into my office and I told her what was going on... She asked what would happen if I were to ever choke on something (not get stuck), but actually choke on a piece of meat or something.... She wanted to know if it would be safe for someone with the band to have the Heimlich maneuver performed on them. I mean if your actually choking, you gotta get it ... What do you guys think? Anyone with experience in this area? Something to think about!:girl_hug:

[tommygirl 0]

I am not a Doctor but I think when you choke the food gets stuck in your windpipe. However, you would be putting force on the area with the banding and compressing with your fists so I suppose it might damage it? Maybe a Doctor would know.

[leatha_g 4]

If I'm truly choking (not breathing), my band is secondary. Please do the heimlich on me!

[*susan* 1,709]

I am with Leatha. If it comes down to choking to death and not damaging my band, or not choking to death and damaging my band, well....damage away!!!

[kim2bhealthy 3]

He He ladies! That's kinda what I was thinking. I told my friend that the band wouldn't do me much good if I choked to death! Hopefully no one in my office will stand around while I'm choking to death (heaven forbid) wondering about damaging my port or band! (Well, there might be a few mean hearted souls that would like to see me struggle for a few minutes!):phanvan

[jcbydesign 0]

Better than choking to death no matter what happens!

[piercedqt78 658]

According to my band doctor the band would be fine. He says the worst possible is broken ribs with the heimlich. ~Mandy

[Boo Boo Kitty 3]

According to my band doctor the band would be fine. He says the worst possible is broken ribs with the heimlich. ~Mandy

And that is the same of anyone that gets it. That is just from the sheer force needed to sometimes stop someone of choking.

I had never thought of this before though, so I am very glad that you brought it up!

[Elisabethsew 50]

I am a BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) instructor as well as an RN so I know the answer to this one.

Normally, the Heimlich Maneuver is performed about an inch or two above the navel. You place the thumb side of a closed fist in that position and cup the fisted hand with the other hand. Forceful upward thrusts are given until the food is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.

For people who are morbidly obese or for pregnant women, you do the Heimlich Maneuver in the upper part of the mid-chest on the upper half of the breast bone. For people who have chemoports, mediports, lapband ports, etc., the same rules apply. If you're able to get your arms around the person and can do the thrusts just above the navel... go for it. No damage results to port devices.

[kim2bhealthy 3]

Thanks for the answers guys! I can now let my friend know that it is okay to save me if I'm choking! :nervous He He!