Question:
Help I have something stuck....what should I do?

Is there anything I can take to get it to dissolve? If I can't get it loose, I have to go to the emergency room.    — Tracey D. (posted on June 28, 2000)

June 28, 2000
Tracey, first of all, don't panic. It happens to all of us. Second of all, try to relax. Third, I've found that drinking water actually aggravates the situation. I've been having this problem a lot lately and I've found that if I lie down and try to relax, it hurts quite a bit at first, but then the muscles relax and the food goes on down. I hope this helps you. If it lasts too long, you may want to seek the help of your physician. Good luck to you.
   — Sonya H.

June 28, 2000
When I get food stuck I take Pepto Bismo. If that does not work then I stick my fingers down my throat and throw up. This sounds bad but it works.
   — Janice K.

June 28, 2000
This only happened to me twice and both times was when I waited to long between meals to eat and I was rushed.. Also it was chicken both times.. I made myself throw it up and then all was fine.. I have since learned to slow down between bites, chew well, and not wait until really starved to eat (old habits die hard when gulping down food) <p> <a href="http://www.angelfire.com">Gastric Bypass Information, Links, and Recipes</a><br>
   — Victoria B.

June 28, 2000
My surgeon suggests putting some diet 7-up in the freezer for about 30 minutes, then take several small sips of the cold diet 7-up. I haven't tried it.. but it might be worth a shot.
   — BethVBG

June 28, 2000
I'm 20 days preop, but a postop guy at my support group said he was told by our doctor to dissolve a one quarter tsp. of meat tenderizer in 1 oz. of warm water and sip it slowly. It is salty tasting but the tenderizer helps to breakdown the food and allow it to pass. This remedy is also discussed in Dr. Gaye Andrews book on page 32, second column. She also says some physicians and programs prefer a lubricant, Mineral oil, to allow the food to slip through. Talk to your doctor, see what he or she suggests. Good luck!
   — Jean S.