Lap-Band Slime

Slime, Slime and more Slime

I had my surgery in October 2008. I have restriction after 2 lap-band fills.

My problem is that I have slime ALL the time. Well, maybe not all the time. I would say about 80% of the time. After 2 or 3 bites of food, the slime starts and I get a pain in my chest. Then the slime comes out! Some days I have difficulty drinking hot tea or soup. I have found that protein like chicken breast or scrambled eggs is the worst!

What am I doing wrong and what can I do to get rid of the slime. It's gross!

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Hmmm...

...a few thoughts on this.

The slime usually results from food getting stuck in the band, so:

1. Are you taking small, eraser size bites?
2. Are you chewing each bite 25-30 times?

If you answer yes to these, and you even have difficulty getting and keeping liquids down, your band may be too tight and you should schedule a visit with your surgeon.

Keep us updated!

Note:
For the readers who don't know what slime is, read on at your own risk...

When food gets stuck in the lap-band, your body starts to produce thick saliva like stuff. In theory, it should help the food break down and pass through the stoma (the narrow passage that the gastric band creates). Often, the slimy saliva like stuff will come up and you'll have to spit it out. My patients often describe it to me like "throwing up a jelly fish!"

I know what you're thinking...

...YUCK!