Had my lapband surgery on July 21 and like alot of you struggling now with what I think is hunger pangs as we call them here in the Ozarks between meals(still on liquids).

I have found this site and it really helps to read about everyone's ups and downs...makes you feel you are not the only one going thru this journey.

My question is I have not read anything about gum or hard candies...I'm talking about such items as Werther's

sugar-free coffee or caramel nips @30 calories or less and all sugar free gum.

Having one or the other seems to help me get between meals without knawing on the computer...lol

Any thoughts??

Stevo

I think a few- say 2 or 3- sugar free candies a day is fine. More than that and those 30 calories start to add up. Also, the sugar alchohols can give you stomach trouble if you have too much. I was told not to chew gum, it would be a huge problem with the band if you were to swallow it, it would have to be removed surgically. Congrats on your recent surgery! Best wishes.

Be extra careful not to swallow! I've heard mixed reviews about eating hard candy and/or gum and getting stuck.

I think a few- say 2 or 3- sugar free candies a day is fine. More than that and those 30 calories start to add up. Also, the sugar alchohols can give you stomach trouble if you have too much. I was told not to chew gum, it would be a huge problem with the band if you were to swallow it, it would have to be removed surgically. Congrats on your recent surgery! Best wishes.

I chew plenty of gum and I've swallowed it a couple of times, it hasn't gotten stuck- but neither has anything else so maybe my results aren't typical. Anyway, yes, i'd say both are fine.

My Dr says no candy or gum because it causes you to salivate and I guess that is not good. Not sure why.

Thanks for the reply....makes sense about the gum getting stuck....yuk!!

As far as the hard candies i limit myself to no more than 2 a day..guess I better pull out my best friend

sugar free Jell-o when those pangs hit!!

Be careful with the s/f candy. Too much can cause diarrhea.

I have sf gum and hard sf breathe mints (for some reason since lapband I feel like I have dry mouth or thirsty breathe, even though I drink a ton of water.) Everything is good with my gums and teeth a clean bill of health) anyhow, I have not had any th ing get stuck, however, I have not felt anytype of restriction yet.