Here are some good Q@A some of the most common questions asked here about the lap band and resolutions, if you ever start to feel choking or difficult swallowing after a recent fill, getting a small amount out at immediately will prevent you from dilating your esophagus or needing your band emptied eventually.

This choking is weird, I've had a band almost 8 yeas and I've never experienced this choking sensation, I guess everyone is different...but it may help others.....

http://www.lapbanddoctors.com/choking-lap-band.php

Choking feeling with the Lap Band.

I have had my lap band for about 4 years with no problems. Recently I have had trouble swallowing food. What I mean is that it literally feels like the muscle used to swallow just freezes and it feels like I might choke. This passes however and when I do swallow everything is back to normal. I am curious as to what this could be, I am seeing my doctor soon but was just curious if anyone had any ideas, thanks!

Wallingford, CT

Answer from Dr. Rachael Keilin, weight loss surgeon in Texas.

I will admit that I have never heard of any symptoms exactly like this, but I’ll try to give you some ideas based on your description. If the feeling that the muscles won’t work comes at the beginning of swallowing – meaning, food is in your mouth and you initiate swallowing and it gets hung up at this point – then it wouldn’t be a band related problem since the muscles of the mouth and throat are only very tenuously connected to the muscles of the lower esophagus and stomach. But if the feeling is a little after beginning to swallow, e.g. you swallow then feel like the food is getting hung in your chest or upper stomach, that is more likely to be band related. Being over-tight or consistently over eating can cause the muscles of the esophagus (the muscular tube that connects mouth to stomach) to weaken and frequently spasm. The best solution to this is a slight unfill and in more pronounced cases, medication to help the muscle squeeze. Hope that helps!

Posted by Dr. Rachael Keilin+

 

Tagged as: Lap Band Complications

 Ron Hekier, MD

Let me offer my thoughts here as well. It sounds to me that you are likely a touch too tight. I would consider an unfill. Either that or you are eating too quickly or taking large bites. With solid food, I would recommend taking a bite about as big as a grape. Then chew it 30 times. Another tip that has worked with some of my patients is “priming” the stomach. To do this, take a small drink right before you eat. For some people, the liquid helps soften the stomach and prevent spams. Good luck!