I know we aren’t allowed to chew gum for a while... what do you guys suggest as replacements???

I don’t know that I was ever forbidden from chewing gum. I certainly don’t swallow it like I used to pre-surgery.

I've chewed sugarless gum the whole time. Just cut back a lot immediately pre & post op. Definitely been a lifesaver for me as far as a replacement for sweets (of sorts). Haven't had any issues w/gas either. But everyone is different, so there's always that to consider.

I chewed gum right away but didn’t swallow it. I think some of the theory is it can trigger hunger hormones. For example, it can trick your vagus nerve into thinking you’re eating and pancreatic enzymes increase. Don’t know if it is significant though. Just don’t swallow the gum!

2 hours ago, KateBruin said:

For example, it can trick your vagus nerve into thinking you’re eating and pancreatic enzymes increase.

I agree that's definitely something to keep in mind. Chewing does start the digestive process and sometimes makes your tummy a little cranky when nothing turns up to "satisfy" it after a little while. Can definitely increase head-hunger issues in that way too. But mostly, for me, it has been a huge help with dry mouth from my meds (water doesn't always cut it) and like I said, just some flavor when you feel like you need something sweet. I found this Trident flavor Blueberry-Lime (something like that). I'm not really a lime person, but strangely this helped immediately post-op with minor bouts of nausea after taking meds/vitamins. I'm a little embarrassed to admit (at my age) that I have also become somewhat addicted to the Berry/Lemon Swedish Fish flavor. It's sugarless but doesn't taste like it. It's better than eating chocolate cake at any rate, lol...