Hey guys I am scheduled to have lb on oct 20 and was wondering if anyone knew why you cant chew gum. I assume it is so it doesn't get stuck if you accidently swallow it. Do you chew gum? As you can probably tell I love gum:frown:

I decided I would not chew gum anymore. I don't want to take the chance on getting it stuck in my band. I have accidentally swallowed it before I was banded so I knew it could happen. I do miss it but I'd rather have the band. Good luck!

I wasnt ever told anything about bubble gum

Chewing, food or gum, stimulates the release gastric juices-digestive fluids - acids, as your stomach thinks food is about to arrive that will need digesting.

This stomach acid, being produced when there is no food for it to attack, is a cause of stomach ulcers because it damages the lining of empty stomachs.

Imagine the potential consequences if only very small amounts of food were eaten with long intervals in between and gum was chewed throughout???

You might want to try and give it up or only chew when straight after eating.

Good luck with your journey.

Nobody ever told me about the gum! Crap! I don't worry about swallowing it but I will chew it often after eating to freshen my breath if I can't brush my teeth right then. I've never had an issue in terms of feeling like I had a lot of stomach acid or anything.

But, now I'll be more careful. I always chew sugar free and my dentist says it is good for my teeth but I don't want to risk stomach ulcers.

My doctor never said I could'nt have gum. Also since you can't drink after eating gum is very helpful in cleaning your mouth. You don't always have access to a toothbrush. I don't know if it's a generational thing but my mother (79) does'nt chew gum. She chews the gum until the flavor is gone and swallows it.

our program has absolutely no gum whatsoever in writing (and emphasized) as a part of our program. the reason given is simply the risks of accidental swallowing and it getting stuck in your band.

Chewing gum also creates the swallowing of air which creates GAS. Gas with our small pouch creates great discomfort so along with the possibility of swallowing the gum you get A LOT of gas.

I chew gum and even accidentally swallowed it post banding. I have never had issues with it. Not being able to drink after a meal I need the gum to freshen my breath. It is also a great way to satisfy a craving in a calorie/sugar free way.

I can't chew gum. Even though I have no trouble eating anything, gum seems to stimulate too much saliva and makes me feel like I'm stuck/sliming.

As much as I like to chew gum in the past, it's not worth it now. Same goes for a hard piece of candy. Can't do it. But there are worse things.

specifically asked my Dr. about it. Was told that he used to recommend no gum, for the swallowing thing, but now he tells his patients that if they want to chew gum, it's fine, just "try" not to swallow it.

As for the stomach acid, it is no different now than before banding. The whole stomach is still there. I have used gum with all my diets pre banding as a crutch during those cravings, and hunger times. Water and gum have seen me through SO many diets! Now it serves as a place holder when I'm in between meals, have bad breath, drank all my water.... oh so many things. (Have any of you noticed that the more water you drink, the more you want to drink?)

this it causes gas.

I heard its cuz it causes gas.....never heard about accidental swallowing (that's just funny) but I chew gum and it's ok..

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My doc said I could chew gum. I don't because it causes gas in my stomach.

I still chew gum. I'm an adult, and I can handle chewing gum. Sometimes, other people "forget" they have gum in their mouths and swallow it. So, if you're one of those people, I would suggest avoiding it forever now. :thumbup: