Question:
food getting "stuck" ??

I am 4 weeks post RNY, once in a while I feel as if something I swallowed gets stuck in my esophagus, somewhere between the level of my collarbone and mid sternum. I know other people have that, but I'm wondering what causes it? As far as I know I have the same esophagus I went in with, do they modify the opening valve to the stomach while they're in there? Sometimes it's the first bite or so, didn't even have time to reach my stomach yet. Just curious....thanks    — penneynurse (posted on September 5, 2008)

September 5, 2008
I still have it occassionally and I am 3 months. Your bite or what you swolled was to big. Make sure you chew very good and wait between. It is stuck before it enters into your stomach because it is most likely full or it is having a hard time entering your stomach. Slowed down. When that happens I try to wait it out. don't drink it will only hurt more. Maybe sip a small amount of water. However, I have ended up making myself throw up and started over eating again, especially when it was really painful.
   — tayee24

September 5, 2008
I have the same problem when I eat or drink something too fast. I'm 7 weeks post-op and still learning how to eat and drink. God bless..
   — Toby2

September 5, 2008
I'm a little over two months post op and that has only ever happened to me once. It happens because you ate too fast & didn't chew properly. Literally chew your food until it's paste like in your mouth before you swallow & you'll not have that problem again. Also, just sip water all day, not gulp & you'll do fine. It IS painful when that food gets 'STUCK', thus why it only happened once cuz it hurt so much that I swore I'd never feel that pain again & haven't. No, it's not fun to have to chew for a week before swallowing while those around you are just gulping down food left & right, but isn't this what we all wanted? A healthier, stronger, happier self? Really, paste like food is a small price to pay. Good luck! -Amy
   — mom4ruby

September 6, 2008
Just a different perspective here ... I had that happen to me three or four times and I guarantee you that I had chewed the food so thoroughly that the texture became disgusting and slimy in my mouth. I hate having to chew like that, but I do it because I know what can happen if I don't! Anyhow, I still had episodes where food got "stuck" and there seemed to be no rhyme or reason. It doesn't necessarily mean I was doing anything "wrong," nor does it necessarily mean that you are. One of the blessings that comes with that "stuck" feeling is that I know when it's happening and I know to stop eating and wait it out. Sometimes I would throw it up, sometimes I wouldn't have to and it would eventually work its way down. You will figure it out - just listen to your body. :-)
   — lauren_marie