Confused about basic principal of band....

mermaidpuppy · September 17, 2007

Hi, I was banded on Sept 7th. I hear about good getting stuck.... And how you will know as soon as you swallow if something isn't going to work.. The golf ball feeling. That would indicate to me that the food you swallow goes directly through the small pouch into the rest of your stomach. I though the pouch the band created fills up then slowly empties into the rest of your stomach. If this is the case, how do you feel a blockage as soon as you swallow the food? I'm confulsed and probably overthinking it, but I'm just curious on peoples thoughs on this.

Chickie · September 17, 2007

It's not a case of the second you swallow you feel the blockage. It can take a couple of minutes to feel it. That is why we are told to eat slowly.

Depending on how well you chew your food, a small amount will go straight through the band. And if you don't chew well enough, the first few bites will get "stuck" in the part of your stomach where the band is placed.

kacee · September 17, 2007

I had a situation just today at a restaurant. I made the mistake of guzzling some ice tea and then took a bite of a baked potato (yes, I was drinking and eating and made a conscious decision to do so). Unfortunately, the guzzling of the tea let in a lot of air and then the potato went in on top of it. It started with a discomfort about mid-chest and then I realized it wasn't going away. I excused myself, went to the restroom and leaned over the toilet and most of it just kindof rolled out of my mouth. Stupid move, I know. No one to blame but myself. As soon as I felt the pressure release, I went back out and was able to finish my baked potato with no probem.

When it happens, you will know within about 30 second to a minute. You will swallow, and not feel any relief. Then you had best get to a restroom within the next few minutes because that food is gonna make a return appearance.