Hi fellow bandsters,

I was wondering has anyone had trouble with gum and walking.. I usually chew gum while I walk because I get so dry. I thought of taking a water bottle along, but I was at work and I thought it would be a quickie.. I got back to my desk, took a drink of water and I felt like i had a HUGE AIR POCKET in my stomach or throat.. Is that normal.. ?? Should I give up the gum???? Also, I am 11 days post op and I am wanting real food.. I opened a can of tuna last night and ate about a teaspoon full.. I just needed something to chew i guess.. It's getting REALLY HARD on FULL LIQUID,, I can start really soft food on Sun, but I sure hope me cheating a few days early won't hurt anything. I am taking it slow.. Is anyone else having these problems or questions. Thank you in advance.. Becky

I know that when you chew gum you tend to swallow some air. I also have reflux so chewing gum is out for me as a get a golf ball feeling in my throat.

Maybe wait until your a little more post op to try it...

Becky,

I have noticed that I have to be careful when chewing gum that I am not swallowing the frothy spit that you get when chewing the gum to fast creates. I find that if I just chew slower and don't swallow as much I am much better off. I would suggest drinking more Water while you are chewing, that seems to help me.

As for the liquids I would suggest a little bit of egg drop Soup. That is (mostly) clear but it also has the egg bits in it and the Protein in the eggs will fill you up a little more and satisfy your stomach. it also gives you something to chew. I had a tiny bit trouble with scrambled eggs in the beginning but I never had any problem with the egg drop soup because the soup lubricates the eggs and keeps them from sticking.

While it may not be strictly "clear liquids" it is less bad for you than eating tuna at this point. You might also try other lite Soups with some overcooked (tiny) veggie chunks in them. Or if it is easier simply use the blender to create a veggie puree and add that to your soup. This will flesh the liquid out a bit but should not give you too much trouble as long as you don't eat too much of it - and chew chew chew on what little chunks you find in there.

If you are on Protein shakes try blending a banana into them. That will make them thicker and more satisfying. It is also a good potassium and magnesium source.

Hope that helps. Hang in there. This will get easier.

I just had a chocolate Protein shake with a banana in tonight, but I added a big tablespoon of Peanut Butter too. Be sure to use a blender or a hand blender though. I thought it was very satisfying.

Did you have your surgery on the 27th too?