Question:
what if food won't go

hI ALL I HAD THE VBG DONE ON THE 24TH OF APRIL...MY ? IS THE OTHER DAY I CHEATED AND HAD A BITE OF PICKLE FOR A WHILE IT STAYED THERE THE NEXT DAY I WOKE UP AND I DON;T KNOW IF IT'S STILL THERE OR MY THROT IS JUST SORE WHAT DO U GUYS THINK...YES AND I AM VERY EMBARESSED ABOUT THIS WHOLE THING..I LEARNED MY LESSON    — Sandra B. (posted on May 18, 2001)

May 18, 2001
My experience with stuck food is that I get flu-like stomach cramps that last 1-2 hours. I believe others get nauseous and throw up. I think the sore throat is a coincidence and some nice lemon tea might help :) Nothing to be embarrassed about if you are allowed pickles at this stage...just chew!
   — Allie B.

May 18, 2001
I learned my lesson on fresh coconut- I chewed and chewed and chewed and thought that I had done it well- low and behold I hadn't (it was about 7-8 months after surgery). I was sick for days I couldn't drink hardly any water, I couldn't even eat a sugar free popcicle, that came back up. I actually could feel the thing move from where ever it was stuck and after that I was fine. It was scary and everone was so afraid that I would get dehydrated. Good luck with everything and take care...
   — [Anonymous]

May 18, 2001
The sore throat could well be from stomach acid and juices backing up behind the blockage into your throat, especially while you are asleep, and especially if you have a history of GERD reflux or heartburn. It should pass soon. If liquids and other food are going on down, you probably don't have a blockage anymore. If not, call the surgeon now. Ask your MD if your sore throat is a frequent occurence, and chew the heck out of everything. If it can't be chewed to applesauce consistency, (or with meat, bread, or dry goods, into a paste), then it's probably too risky with a VBG or RNY. VBGs are the most restrictive that way. Of course, that would rule out fresh coconut (too grainy/fibrous) and really tough-skinned pickles (giant whole dills--try baby dills or smallish spears instead, or just eat the insides). In any case, there need be no SHAME involved in making a few mistakes...it's trial and error, after all. Best wishes--Jesse
   — Jesse M.