Question:
UNFILL?

I am 6 months out from lap band, I've lost 64 so far. I ate a small packet of meat (thinly sliced BUDDIG) this morning. I chewed like I was suppose to, I was anal about it. I got stuck. I had to stop 3 or 4 times on the way to work just to bring it up (the last time 7.45a). I just drank 2 oz water @ 10.30, I did not feel it go into the lower part of my stomach (which I normally do) but it hasn't come back up yet. I had 2 oz of protein drink at 11.30 a. I didn't feel it go into the lower part of my stomach, but it hasn't come back up. I don't want to call my doctor's office again because an unfill was what would happen if I couldn't hold it down (and I'm afraid that's what would be suggested). Any suggestions? What kind of trouble could I get into if I need an unfill and don't get it? t/y!;-) Jeanette    — jct001 (posted on September 4, 2008)

September 4, 2008
Try drinking a few ozs of hot coffee or tea. This usually "unclogs" me.
   — speedy079

September 4, 2008
hot liquids normally help take things on down. Your body will produce extra saliva to help push it down or bring it back up if is stuck.
   — tuckerheather

September 4, 2008
Hi Jeanette, I don't have a lap-band, I have a Roux en Y. I'm not sure what you mean when you say you ffeel it drop into lower section of stomach. Although I have an idea. But I wouldn't hesitate to call your doctor about any questions you may have. The first six months, despite all my research prior to surgery, I still had so many questions I think my doctors # was on speed dial. Don't feel bad. When you are first out things are new and the fear of the unknown can be worse than the actual problem. Hope that helps. : ) Laurel
   — Laurel C.

September 4, 2008
Obviously, you know your body the best, but I would think by now that it would have passed thru. I have been keeping small cans of pineapple juice on hand for when I have what I call "issues" - a few sips helps out tremendously. So you may want to try that.
   — Monte57

September 4, 2008
It doesn't matter how careful you are at some time you are going to get stuck.....one of the best things you can do is keep small cans of pineapple juice with you....I have it at work...at home...in my car...in my sister car every where.... My dr told me about this and it works for me....hope it does for you.....when you get stuck take tiny sips of the pineapple juice ( Must be room temperture never cold ) once you know one sip is staying down take another one......it will either bring it up or take it down and you will lose that hurting in your chest....he said to Never Ever Drink Water as it will compact the food and make it worse....it is something in the enzyems of the pineapple juice that make it work. If you are ever interested in another site....go to Yahoo Groups and then type in Bandbuddies....it's a great group and one of the moderator's is a WLS Nurse../.....there are a lot of great people and good information there. Good luck in your journey.
   — pphillips4720aol.com

September 5, 2008
I had RNY on 7/17. My first experience, about a month later, was awful. It wouldn't go down, wouldn't come up, just sat there. This lasted over 2 hours. I thought I was giving birth through my esophagus. But as soon as it moved on, I was over. During the crisis, I couldn't lay down, sit down--all I did was lean against the bathroom counter or the wall, sipping ice water. Does anyone know if the pineapple juice works for RNY? I'll definitely remember the hot liquids and will try it should I get in this situation again.
   — MKPstamps

September 5, 2008
If you are not having problems or pain "holding things down" you probably got it all. Stay on full liquids for 48 hrs to make sure things calm down (which sounds like you are already doing) I keep papaya enzyme on hand for those infrequent occasions. Chewable tablets, (@ Walmart) taste great 2-4 takes care of clogs in 10-15 minutes.
   — Donna O.

September 5, 2008
I had lap band surgery 11-28-07. All was well until about March or April. I began a cycle of stuck, unfill, fill, stuck, unfill, etc. After a wretched virus ( with vomiting) I needed my band revised because of slippage and twisting. Finally, finally, my M.D. got me to understand the way things are: if for any reason something gets stuck, the area where the band is will swell because of this irritation. When swollen, it's much harder to get solid food down the next time...it feels the same as a tight fill. More vomiting/irritation/swelling. His advice is this: If something gets stuck, try dry swallowing because it stimulates muscles at the lower end of the esophagus. If dry swallowing doesn't work, try ITTY, BITTY sips of water. The pineapple juice has enzymes, but as far as lubricant goes water is fine. After the band has cleared, try liquids for a few meals to allow any swelling that may have occured to go away. Then you're set to go back to solids. This seems like such a common sense thing...I'm really sorry I had to endure a second surgery before I got it through this thick head! Since my June 13th surgery, I've had no problems. Good luck to you!
   — jcghall