when food gets stuck is it normal to hurt?

 I will be getting my first fill next week, and kinda of nervis because food gets stuck already, mostly because I tend to eat bigger peaces im trying to do little bites but somtimes i just for get :( and it gets stuck and hurts! is it normal for it to hurt?

Oh yes, it HURTS. And yes, that's normal. I know of someone who had such a bad stuck episode that she went to the ER because she was sure she was having a heart attack! 

Try to really pay attention and take small bites and CHEW really well. Pause in between bites and think about how you feel. Even if you haven't eaten your whole portion (1/2 cup, 3 oz, whatever it is), if you start to feel full or that feeling of "pressure" at the back of your throat, STOP.

It takes a lot of practice, but you will get used to it.

 That is scarry...was it reallly a hear attact? what happen?

I NEVER had a stuck episode untill 5 months post-op!!! Before my first fill, the dr. said I had NO restriction and I shouldnt be able to get really stuck. So, now I CHEWI've lost 51 pounds so far and I LOVE MY BAND!!!!!! You definitely learn to chew every bite about 30 times!!!

 ya see i figure the same thing i should be getting stuck yet!! hum :( gues ill just keep chewing lol ;) and congrats on the 50lbs

Interesting...I don't have much restriction either (yet) going for 2nd fill next Thursday - so I have a (big) tendency to NOT chew really well...I guess, from what you said, when you have restriction you learn...I'd rather not learn the hard way - but I did have another question for you - will your "stomach" hurt a bit (like just under the rib cage) if you don't chew good?  I ate lunch (tuna salad) so nothing solid, but I am guilty for eating "too much" at a time - so could that irritate your stomach in that area?  Ugh, I have SO much to learn and this is a bit diff from when I had my bypass in 04...thank you!

Hi, I am new to this site and preparing to have surgery, having doubts though which one (band or bypass).  Any feedback would help.  I see that Sapphire has had both - may I ask why?  Also how quick is weight loss with band vs. bypass?

Nope, it wasn't a heart attack. No heart issue at all...she was just stuck REALLY bad. They went in and removed all the fluid in her band. She said as soon as she felt them pulling the fluid out she felt better, as the food dislodged inself. If that didn't work they were going to have to stick a tube down her throat.

The moral of the story is...SMALL BITES, and CHEW!