I keep reading about chewing and that it's really important so I was wondering about it...

First, why is it so important? I understand why with RounY and banding...but I'm trying to find out why with vsg. Is it because a newly sleeved stomach is swollen for awhile? Is it to slow down the process of eating altogether?

Lastly, how much chewing is enough chewing? Any recommendations on how many chews per bite? 20, 25, 30?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Chewing is important because your new tummy doesn't have the room to process your food like it used to. By chewing thoroughly you give the digestion process a head start.

My doc suggested 30 times or until it is the consistancy of applesauce. I don't always count, but I know when the food feels right.

Thanks for the reply!

That's what I thought but I wasn't sure. I'd read blender consistency but applesauce sounds more reasonable. I think I will really need to count to start out and I have to practice, practice, practice. My surgery is scheduled for January so I have some time but I want to be as ready as possible.

That's what I did too. You'll do great!

Thanks! How far along are you?

1 month today :-) I am happy, comfortable, and consistantly losing.

Is that forever? I am a texture person and that just makes me gag for a lifetime of applesauce (I don't eat applesauce because of the consistency, it makes me feel like puking.)

I think it is forever, your stomach is pretty much set. Don't think of it as applesauce, think of it as throughly chewed.

I think the well chewed food is a forever thing too.

I read in a book about food and the importance of chewing He said your stomach doesn't have teeth and you have to chew so that your food can digest properly so your intestine can absorb What it needs to from the food your eating