Hi everyone

I'm new here, just looking for other UK folks that have had a bypass.

I had my surgery June 20th by Mr Richardson with the hospital group in Bromsgrove. My surgery and first days of recovery happened to coincide with the hottest days of the year which was a killer (no air conditioning at the hospital). All going ok so far since I've been home, kinda struggling to eat 6 times a day with timing and such, feeling kinda tired after any activity.

I'm looking forward to the purée stage, this liquid only is boring me to death, and I'm really looking forward to (kinda craving) actually chewing on something, is that normal??

Please feel free to add me on my fitness pal - Louise1999. Look forward to hearing from some sort f you

Lou x

It is common to feel the need to chew. It is part of the digestive process. According to the internet:

The action of chewing mechanically breaks down very large aggregates of food molecules into smaller particles. This results in the food having increased surface area, an important contributing factor to good digestion. In addition to the obvious benefit of reduced esophageal stress that accompanies swallowing smaller, rather than larger, pieces of food, there is another very important benefit to chewing your food well that comes with its ability to be exposed to saliva for a longer period of time.

Food's contact with saliva is important because it helps to lubricate the food, making it easier for foods (notably dry ones) to pass easier through the esophagus. It's also important because saliva contains enzymes that contribute to the chemical process of digestion. Carbohydrate digestion begins with salivary alpha-amylase secreted by glands positioned near the mouth. This alpha-amylase helps break down some of the chemical bonds that connect the simple sugars that comprise starches. Additionally, the first stage of fat digestion also occurs in the mouth with the secretion of the enzyme lingual lipase by glands located at the root of the tongue.

So it is a habit we learned ever since we grew teeth and as a result we crave it.

Hi Lou,

I am nearly 1 year out after RNY Bypass at North Staffs, fully understand your desire to chew, but believe me time will fly and you will soon have forgotten the liquid only stage - good luck on your journey.