Hello Everyone, this is my first post. I am scheduled for my surgery on June 12, 2013 in Toronto. I will be travelling there from my home in St. John's, NL. This is big change I am looking forward to and so far I have been able to stay positive. I am a fifty year old man who has struggled with my weight all my life. Ten years ago I lost 127 lbs on the Body for Life Program going from 340 lbs to 223 lbs. Unfortunately I returned to my old ways and have gained it all back and a few more as well. I can tell you it feels a lot heavier at 50 than it did at 40. Right now I am on day 6 of a 21 Liquid diet using Slim Time and Ensure Protein shakes. I am coping pretty well but the only problem that I am finding is getting that bad taste in your mouth from just the shakes. I am wondering if it is ok to chew sugar free gum (5 calories, 2 grs of Carb for 2 pieces) to help eliminate the taste in my mouth. I have been brushing more, but I work around people a lot and I do not want to have bad breath. Any thoughts?

I've been chewing gum on my Pre-op, but I think the best person to answer that is probably your Doc. Every Doc is different. I can't see why there would be a problem though. My Doc did not personally have a problem.

~~~Stephanie

I was allowed, but check with your doc. Some sweeteners cause sugar cravings.

Welcome to the forums

My nutritionist said it was fine regarding the gum. Honestly I found sugar free gum to be my saviour... every time I had a craving I would chew a piece. I had MANY different flavours stocked up - the Dentyne Fire cinnamon flavour seemed to work best at killing cravings. For the bad taste I used a strong mint flavour. I would check with your doctor, but I don't see why it would be a problem for you. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

I can not chew any gum cause I always seem to bite my lip or the inside of my mouth somehow , and I am a smoker so I always use Ice breakers mints and they are sugar free and when I said I always use them I had them a day after surgery when I had my first smoke after surgery and I ate two just before I got in the hospital for surgery and told the surgeon so it was o k for me, but I Don't know about gum , I guess if u spit it out when the breath is fresh and flavor is gone lol u should be o k , but ask your doctor to make sure as there r no stupid questions cause we can all learn something from one another.

Down'omer, eh, I chewed gum because of same issue, protein drinks can leave a nasty after taste. Oh, and I drank lots of water as well. Best of luck to you, gotta love a Newfoundlander!

i was allowed and did butI called to check first

Thank you everyone for your advice. You have been very helpful.