What's the scoop on chewing gum?

[tdhaddox 118]

At almost 3 weeks post op, I'm missing gum. I chew it all the time at work, helps with nervous energy and of course ensures I don't have dragon breath when talking to my staff and peers?

Are there rules around it? I didn't get anything in my post op instructions and I've been through them several times.

[DeLiGhTfUlLy DeTeRmInEd 45]

Good question, no one here ever mentions gum. And honestly I have no idea but I will ask at my pre-op appointment on Monday.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

The concern is chewing gum introduces air into your tummy and may cause problems with gas (as in tummy ache). Mileage varies. I'm not a gum chewer so I never tried. I'm an altoid gal.

[PamInWA 21]

I love gum - I chew sugar free gum at work in the afternoon when I get a sweet tooth. I didn't chew gum during my low carb pre-op diet because each piece has 1 carb! I'm almost 3 weeks post op now and this week I started chewing gum again - no issues!

[tdhaddox 118]

Thank you!

I am getting some tomorrow!!

[Elode 8,093]

I've chewed a pack of trident cinnamon gum every day this week. It's addictive! I need to stop I think it's making me crave sugary foods and it does make my stomach gassy but I just couldn't stop! I will tomorrow though! Good luck!

[Tootsietoes 84]

Don't swallow it silly!

[mskami77 295]

I never really stopped chewing gum. When I went back to work after surgery I started chewing again. I worry about my breath. @@Elode I love trident cinnamon!

[miller1109 116]

I chew gum but I am a year post op. No issues. I followed the rules during the first year and didn't chew it.

[tdhaddox 118]

Miller1109-unfortunately there was no mention in my rules. Odd because I thought they were pretty thorough otherwise. I'll play it be ear and see how I do and fortunately I've never been one to swallow gum so I don't think I'll have that be a problem now.

It's helpful to see what others do and don't do and the reasons behind it.

[BestDayEver 418]

My surgeon's instructions say no gum ever because it would cause problems if swallowed. I think this is more of an issue for bypass patients than sleeve in my mind. I chew gum every now and then because I know I won't swallow the gum. The last time I swallowed gum was when I was a kid and thought that would be a fun thing to do. As usual, there is conflicting information on this forum so call your doctor's office if you want their advice on the gum question.

[jess9395 5,448]

Chewing some trident right now!

[SeahawksFan 444]

The first few months I was not allowed to chew gum but my NUT is fine with it now so I occasionally chew the sugar free trident. I like bubble gum and cinnamon. Never been a mint fan. Tastes like medicine to me.

~LA

[ridingrae 61]

I'm addicted to gum. It's bad. Orbit bubblegum flavor. I have major gas issues from excessive chewing. I know it's a leftover part of my bad habits that led to needing surgery. Be careful.

[1SlimmerMe 122]

If I had to stop chewing gum I may not have had the surgery! My surgeon said it was fine, but just don't swallow it. I'm not 5, I don't swallow gum. I don't go a day without it.