Can we chew gum?

I was told no because it produces excess air and gas in the stomach.

I was told no because if you accidentally swallow it, it could block up things really bad. But in one of my recipe books for weight loss surgery, they suggest it as a way of satisfying the need to chew something early on.

I have heard and read that it's a bad idea and each surgeon will give a different answer to this question.

I just found this out that if you're one year out depending on your surgery my surgeons office said it was okay as long as you didn't do it a lot.

I would check with your surgeon and find out what they have to say. That would be the best place to start with this question.

When in doubt always ask your surgeon or nutritionist for the answers.

I haven't been told yes or no. I chewed gum pre-surgery and I had gum this week (3 weeks post op) and no problems. Just don't swallow!

Edited July 20, 201412 yr by Lissapmkn1

My surgeon's office recommendation is to avoid chewing gum. I'll have to ask them why.

I was told No Gum and also No Straws!!

I was told no straws too so was surprised when some people in the support group were drinking from straws and nobody said anything. Later, I asked the nurse and she said the straw thing is when you are just out of surgery and for the following weeks but now it is ok. I was surprised!

I'm surprised too. I still have problems with straws and I'm over a year out. I forget and drink from straws all the time, and I almost always regret it.

What happens when you drink from a straw? Just curious!?!?

I think it just brings in too much air if I recall correctly.

I was told no gum due to damage if swallowed. Straws were advised against due to excess air you take in when using them.

My abdomen gets very bloated and uncomfortable until the air comes back out.

I was told no gum, no straws, no carbonated drinks. All of it introduces gas/air into the stomach.

I didn't get the no gum warning but it makes sense if you swallowed it it could block things up for a long time. I'll have to ask next time I go in.