So, if I get approved ....I am assuming mid Jan to late Jan. I am sure there are pre op tests and what not.

But. My dietician kept focusing on the chewing. She kept telling me that I will have to chew food to a paste.

My question to everybody is....is that forever? I get that the chew pasty thing is a must for post op. But I am going to have to chew like a camel for the rest of my life.? It will be really hard to enjoy what you are eating and get grossed out.

Tell me it isn't so.

Nope, not forever. Just in the beginning stages when your tummy is still healing. After you are healed the longer chewing is beneficial because you don't get full as fast. That and the slower eating was something I really had/have a problem with. Now at almost 4 months out, I still eat too fast and don't chew near as much as I should. Old habits are hard to break

Edited December 13, 201411 yr by Babbs

HI Babbs, thank you for letting me know. One of the fears of doing this surgery is, you want to be as normal as you can considering all the limitations.

I am not a pill popper = this surgery will require some massive Vitamin pill poppin

I am not a careful chewer = I was getting the impression you have to chew like a camel for the rest of your life

I like my wine cooler once in a blue moon = this is still questionable

I like my piece of warm bread once in a while - this surgery is nothing but Protein, I will cluck and mooo before you know it.

I guess the bottom line is, I am thinking...can one be as close to "normal" as one can after having the sleeve surgery?

Actually, I have found to my surprise that the longer I chew a small bite, the longer I get to enjoy the flavor. Who knew?