Question

Hi Guys,

My husband recently got his lapband and it will be two weeks on Tuesday.  He has started to be able to eat soft things. He told me that sometimes he feels like his throat gets scratchy and sore and it feels funny when he eats.  It comes and goes.  Does anyone know what this could be? I don't know what to tell him because I have the sleeve so our symptoms are different.  He doesn't have pain in his stomach and only threw up once because something got stuck? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Since being banded, every time my throat feels scratchy and sore, it's because I have a head cold or sinus drainage from allergies, or it's because I'm having reflux. Sometimes the scratchy, sore throat or cough (especially at night, when you're lying horizontal) is the only symptom of reflux. Reflux can be triggered by food choices (spicy food, caffeine, coffee) and timing (eating too close to bedtime) and/or an untreated hiatal hernia and/or by a band that's too tight. Some surgeons treat it with acid-reducing meds like Omeprazole (which you can buy over the counter) and some surgeons remove fluid from the band.

I can't comment on "it feels funny when he eats" because I don't know how it feels funny for him. What feels funny? His mouth, throat, chest, abdomen, shoulder, neck, what? Did the feeling funny business by any chance start after his stuck episode and subsequent vomiting? Because that kind of eating problem can irritate and inflame the esophagus and stoma, and until the irritation, inflammation and swelling subside, every mouthful of food your husband eats is going to aggravate the problem.

It might be a good idea for your husband to go back to the full liquid stage until he can discuss this with his surgeon.

Jean

I get a feeling like chunks are at the back of my throat (impossible as I am on liquids still) which is from reflux.

The thing that causes me a scratchy throat is being allergic to one of the foods I am eating.

Cat.

His throat may also still be a little sore from being intubated during surgery. Mine was for a few weeks. Just a thought. I would definately mention it to his surgeon at the follow up visit and until then be very cautious and stick to soft/liquids..
Saralynne