Hey everybody! I have to strange questions, if anyone can help.

1.) You know when you brush your teeth, then your tongue, and sometimes that brings up your gag reflex?? Does this hurt the band or cause slippage eventually? I have been brushing my tongue even more often lately (due to the high protein), but sometimes it makes me gag, then I wonder if that is like the same vomiting sensation and is actually hurting my band. :thumbup:

2.) When did everyone start using a straw and/or chewing gum again??

I'm 25 days out and I miss using a straw-I have actually forgotten and drank from 1 in my Iced coffee a couple of times.

I also like to chew gum when I work out and miss that.

So when would it be OK (if at all) to do these again?

Thanks!

Silly question. Why do you gag so much? I mean I did a million years ago when I was on the pill, but I don't gag when I brush my tongue anymore. But to answer your question, are you bringing up stomach acid? I'm guessing you should be okay. But I'd ask your doctor just to be sure.

I use a straw regularly. I also chew gum, but I never swallow the gym. I never did before...if you are an accidental gum swallower I'd avoid it.

I guess I'm not much help........ :biggrin2:

I certainly hope not, because ever since I had my daughter 6 almost 7 years ago, I often dry heave when I brush.

I have been using straws since day one. My doctor didn't see any reason not to use one and I love my straws. As for gum, I finally had a piece the day before my 3 week post-op mark. No issues.

Thanks girls. Juli-I do not swallow gum...just chew it, lol. I do not know why brushing my tongue sometimes makes me gag, but it does. I think it is when I brush towards the back of my tongue, which, would be similar to sticking your fingers down your throat and causes you to gag. Stomach acids do not come up, but it does sometimes cause more saliva or makes my eyes water. I have stopped going too far back though to prevent this from happening.

I sometimes get a gag reflex when brushing my tongue but it hasn't affected my band and nothing comes up.

As far as gum goes, you should not be chewing once banded. If you accidentally swallow it you would probably have to go in for surgery to get it removed because it can block the band. I've read a few stories on these message boards about people swallowing it. Too much of a risk for me.

I forgot and drank some premade Protein shakes that had a small straw with them and had terrible tummy aches and didn't realized why until it dawned on me that I was using a straw. I've had no desire to use one since so I don't know if I'd have the same problem.

I always gag so I sure hope it doesnt cause slippages!!

I also chew gum, in 40 years I have never swallowed a piece so I doubt that I will now - it does make me quite gassy though! LOL

I am trying to think have I used a straw, I didnt even know that you werent supposed to! I must have, and it obviously hasnt caused me problems, diet coke I have to say is an entirely different kettle of fish, cant go near the stuff anymore!

Nina x