Two simple questions. When can I chew gum and why can't I chew gum right now? I love chewing gum so it's hard not to have it.

Im a severe gum addict! I am just shy of 2 weeks out, and thought of chewing on a stick, well after about 2 min, not only did it not taste right, and not having the enzimes to break it down right it was a harder chew....but mostly I felt the bloat in the belly.

Chewing gum, you actually swallow a lot of air (which stretched out your baby tummy) and then also, if you are one of those people that have occationally swallowed thier gum...that is not good, as it can get lodged.

Thankfully after that one attempt, I am not too interested anymore.

Yep....gum chewing leads to swallowed air which is NOT good for a sleeve. There is also the risk of swallowing it and I'm not sure how bad that would be....but probably not good.

i have never heard that I couldnt chew gum....it helps me considering I cant drink 30 mins after I eat...and keeps my mouth busy lol

It's funny that you all are talking about this because I was not told not to chew gum. After surgery I had terrible dry mouth so I bought some gum and chewed it. It was definitely different but didn't cause any problems. I think the reason it isn't a good idea is because it stimulates production of gastric juices in the stomach. I could feel them pumping and had a very empty feeling in my stomach. It was not pleasant but not painful. I chewed the gum only for a few minutes and spit it out, just long enough to freshen the mouth and breath. I attempted anothe piece last week (I am two weeks post op today) and it had the same effect. Again I chewed for only a few minutes and then spit it out. I plan to ask my Dr about gum when I go for my first post op appointment on June 17th.

So, those who were told not to chew gum were told to never chew it again??? :(That would be hard but I will do it if it's what needs to be done!

Yes , I was told never to chew gum again. I was also told to never use a straw again.

That said my program gave us guidelines for all three WLS they preform. Maybe it was a bigger deal for a band or by pass patient.

So, those who were told not to chew gum were told to never chew it again??? :(That would be hard but I will do it if it's what needs to be done!

I have never chewed gum so much since I was sleeved. It helps with that "head hunger" and "cravings." I also found it most helpful after eating. I have no problem no drinking during meals, but man I could use a drink after!!!

Chewing gum after meals helps with the dryness I feel after eating and makes the time pass quicker.

I have NEVER had a gas issue with chewing gum but everyone is different.

I didn't know it was forbidden. I have chewed gum a few times - to help with my ketosis breath and to calm my stomach down after a meal. If I eat something and it isn't sitting well with me, I chew some super strong mint gum or suck on a sugar free Altoid. The mint seems to calm my stomach down and it keeps the dry mouth away since I am still really strict about not drinking after I eat.

In the first few weeks, I only sucked on the Altoid sugar free smalls. I think I start chewing gum after about 7 weeks. Nothing sweet, only the strong mint stuff.

Well I am afraid that I consider the swallowing air and swallowing the gum theories to utter BS. Yes, you can swallow some air and you typically just burp it back up, you swallow a lot more saliva though. If you are that clumsy that you will swallow it then stay away, it's probably harmless but doesn't help either, you'll just poop it out in a few days.

I was a HUGE gum chewer before surgery and my plan says no gum and no straws!!

I have not had gum since and I use to chew all day long! 3-4 pieces a day! Now, I have NEVER swallowed a piece of gum in my adult life, but it scares me that I will!! If I had to go have it surgically removed, I would be horrified! I just use mints instead. Altoid Smalls are good!!

I do use a straw and always have. I don't have a problem with extra gas. I started using it about 2 weeks out.

Kelly