Minimising the possibility of food getting stuck and/or vomiting
Dish up and eat small amounts of food in the first instance. You can always dish up more if you are still feeling hungry.
EAT VERY SLOWLY. This means taking small bites and then chewing each mouthful at least 20 times before swallowing. You may find it helpful to put your knife and fork down between mouthfuls to help slow you down.
If you start to experience any discomfort stop eating immediately.
Dislodging food that has gotten stuck
The most important thing is to try to stay calm. This is a natural part of life with the band. Although it is very unpleasant it is not life threatening and will eventually pass.
If you are still able to swallow, you could try drinking some warm water or tea to dislodge the item. You could also try sipping a little meat tenderiser (1/2 a teaspoon) mixed with warm water (2 Tablespoons) to help break it down. Some Lapbanders have found that flaxseed oil can also help to dislodge the offending item.
If that doesn't work you will need to vomit the item up. Find a bathroom and induce vomiting. You can do this by sticking your fingers down your throat, gulping a carbonated drink, bending over or applying heat/pressure to the stoma.
Eating Out
To prepare for a meal out you may want to stick to low density foods for at least that day to ensure that you have as much capacity as possible.
When you arrive at the restaurant or café establish where the toilets are so that you will be able to get to find them in a hurry if you run into difficulties.
It is important to stick to what you know you can tolerate when eating out. This is not a good time to experiment with new foods. Many Lapbanders prefer to order soup, soft egg dishes and pasta .
If you are unsure whether there will be anything on the menu you will be able to tolerate it is always a good idea to take a meal back-up. You could pack a couple of crackers and cheese, cruskits and peanut butter or a dry soup you can add water to, so you know that you won't have to go hungry.
Drinking
Don't gulp down any liquids. Take small gentle sips.
Try not to ingest any liquids within 30 minutes of starting a meal and 1 hour after finishing a meal. Drinking with meals distracts you from chewing and reduces your feeling of satiety.
It can be difficult to get the recommended 2 litres of water per day given the constraints of the band. Most Lapbanders find it helpful to carry a sipper bottle of water with them during the day and gradually drink the recommended amount that way.
Be cautious about consuming alcohol. The band appears to reduce an individual's tolerance for alcohol.
Avoiding reflux at night
To avoid the reflux which some Lapbanders report experiencing at night try the following strategies:
- avoid eating any foods that you know irritate the problem;
- stop eating at least a couple of hours prior to your usual bedtime;
- flush out the stoma by drinking water prior to retiring; and
- take some heartburn medication before going to sleep.
The combination of these strategies should reduce the occurrence and severity of reflux during the night.
General Hints
Try to avoid ever getting too hungry by eating small amounts throughout the day.
When you get too hungry you can experience nausea and headaches. You are also more likely to make poor food choices and eat too fast. Think ahead and carry food with you if necessary.
DON'T EAT AND DRIVE. This is very dangerous. It is often difficult to eat slowly while focusing on driving and this increases the likelihood of food getting stuck or the need for regurgitation.
Always carry a plastic or sick bag in your car or purse … just in case you find yourself in a situation where you have to regurgitate but do not have ready access to a bathroom. You may also want to keep Wet Wipes and/or paper towels in your car as well.
If your tummy is spasming or you are finding it difficult to get food down you could try sipping a glass of warm water. This can settle the stomach.
If you have a Lapbander tip you would like to share send an e-mail to Lapbander@hotmail.com.
Last updated: 26 May 2001
