I have a really weird question. I thought I read somewhere that people who have WLS should not chew gum. Is this true? I can't imagine never chewing gum again...just a thought I had.

Well I would think the only risk would be if you accidentally swallow it! Otherwise I cant think of any reason not to...I just dont like gum so I guess I dont know.

gum gave me terrible pain in my stomach so I dont chew it. I think its the whole swallow air thing but I cant chew gum

I chew it all the time. I do get gas pains from it sometimes but I did before the surgery so that is normal!

I chew gum sometimes. I've never had any negative side effects...

I think doctors are just worried about swallowing air. But I figure as long as you're not like... huffing air, there shouldn't be a problem.

After a lap band surgery, you may need medicines to manage the discomfort and soreness. Follow your doctor's advice on what diet you need to have after a lap band surgery. Like gum surgery, you need to stop eating chewing or foods that are hard to chew, after a lap band surgery.

I don't chew gum, just don't like it! But the only reason for not doing that I have ever heard is in case you swallow a large lump and it gets stuck! By its very nature, it wouldn't dissolve. But I don't imagine you make a habit of that!

I admit to being cautious about things like this! I am very careful of things like cherry stones which can easily be swallowed by mistake and might lodge above the band.

I was told by my doctor that the reason they say that is because it can cause gas but he is a lapband patient and he says it has never bothered him so I'd say if it doesn't bother you, it would probably be okay, I chew trident, a lot of xylitol products cause diarrhea and upset stomach sugar free gum is usually made with that so be careful there too.

I chew gum all the time as well. It keeps me from thinking about food! As a food addict I am thinking about food even when I'm not hungry. Chewing gum actually helps me a lot.

My surgeon said No Gum, No straws, no soda.. so that is my rules.. He did say that if gum is swallowed accidentally and by the way it can happen you are at risk f having it surgically removed.. so, it's not worth it to me. He's done thousands of lapbands and I paid him to take care of me so I will do what he says.

I can't chew gum... Gives me bad stomach pains.. Air!

Any foods you swallow, will eventually get broken down and pass.....

I can't see a wad of gum digesting very well.

In my entire life, I have never end swallowed gum, but that does not mean it can't happen.

One of my friend had the habbit of chewing gum, he was addicted to chew gums. But now he faced the bad result of it. He will have his Gum Grafting on monday. It would be really scary experience for him. So, i avoid to chew gum.