Like I said earlier in another thread,,I just got my surgery on July 22.. (Thursday)...I was wondering can I have things like sugarless gum and tic tacs? Also,,is it normal to have very loose bowel movements following surgery during this liquid diet stage,,,,,and does anyone drink the little fruit punch liquids that come in little tubes? I saw them on WALMART's page,,,it says they have 25g protein for one serving....and 1 carb.....didn't know if anyone has done those or is presently drinking them... :smile2:

I chewed gum a few days after surgery....anything to get my mind off of food. I don't know about tic-tacs. And yes the diarrhea....very normal. If you are only on liquid stage then it comes out liquid, mine lasted about 2 days. I just had a fill on Friday, and I have to restart all my food stages (5 days each) UGGHHH.....and I forgot about the liquid stage....had a little bit of diarrhea yesterday. Good luck to you....I have never had those protein drinks, but my surgeon said any protein as long as it had under 10 gm of carbs.

I was banded on July 23rd and was told that I could not have gum until I had been cleared by my doctor. I don't know if this is in case of accidentally swallowing it or what. I would LOVE to chew a piece though because it would take away that incredible desire that I already have to chew. I am ready to start full liquids tomorrow so I hope that will help some.

As far as the liquid Protein tubes at WalMart, I tried one and it wasn't too bad. I didn't think it was as satisfying as I had hoped. It smelled and tasted like Jello Water.

Good Luck!

I chewed gum too-- rumor has it when your band is nice and filled that gum can clog up the works if accidentally swallowed- but post op should be fine- I swallowed some by accident and no issues...

Diarrhea yep normal

Protein shooters- I used them religiously post op- really liked the Pro Slam ones I got a GNC-- they all taste a little different- there are some with the word whey in title (also from GNC) that made me want to vomit- but the rest other than being too sweet were fine- some people Water em down- some add a crystal light or other flavor to taste- I just drank as quickly as I could-COLD!

My nutritionist said chewing gum could casue you to swallow air and create gas, so I just avoid it. I think it would depend how you chew.

She also said many of the Protein shot or shooters are made with inferior protein that may not include all the amino acids so are not well utilized by your body. Not sure which ones fit into this category. She suggested only using whey, soy or egg protein sources of protein powders or drinks.