'1st Bite Syndrome'? What to do?

I got my band 9/21/2010, have lost 72 lbs, and have over 6cc's in my band (large size).

Since the last two fills, I have had esophogeal spasms (which feels like restriction, coupled with sliming, occasionally) when I first begin to eat.  I try drinking a full cup of hot tea or broth before eating, or getting up and walking around, but I still get them.  It takes a full 20 minutes for the spasms to stop so that I can continue eating.  It doesn't matter what type of food I'm eating, or how small the bites are, or how much I chew (I'm very careful with these things).

I asked my surgeon about it- he said it was pretty normal, he suggested I always drink hot fluids before eating to flush the pouch, and then when I first start to get the feeling, get up and walk around.  Ok, I have been trying that, it still happens.

Seriously... this is getting VERY frustrating.  I'm starting to dread eating any more.  I'm wondering how long I can live with this!  Is there something I can do?  Help!

Sounds to me more like you are a bit too tight. I've had first bite before and it never lasted that long, usually only a few minutes maybe 5-10. This almost sounds more like you are getting stuck and the esophogeal spasms are not good. Many folks have lost their bands because of them and that may also be your problem, that you are staying constantly irritated from the spasms which causes more tightness and sensitivity. It becomes a vicious circle. I would try a small unfill and see how that works.

I agree with Hislady 100%!  I have whats been called 1st Bite Syndrome, and it is very different.  Mine just tightens on about the 4th bite, I wait about 3 minutes then continue, no sliming or spasms (unless the tightening is the spasm).  It let's me know that I'm about halfway through.  Maybe a slight unfill would be in order.