In my book I got from my Dr. they say "avoid chewing gum" Why is that? Are they afraid you are going to swallow it? I like chewing gum LOL

Oh no I love gum!!!! Myabe because of the calories and sugar though???

I thought about that, but heck I chew SF and it only has 10cal.

I asked this to my surgeon because I wanted the real answer. Besides air brought into the pouch, you could accidentally swallow it and cause a blockage. He said he's had to open up a few to get it out.

Ok, thanks! I would hate to get it stuck! I better stick to the rules then!

Yeah guess I'll stick to the rules too, but it sure does suck Being an ex-smoker gum is like my life. Oh will one more thing on the no no list!

My dr said it was mostly a matter of how much air you are unconsciously swallowing when you chew it.

I've noticed several long-term banders at the support group meeting chewing gum. I'm not an habitual gum chewer, but do like it occasionally. I'm going to ask about this at our meeting.

Nobody ever said anything about that to me, I chew gum every so often. Have not swallowed any in at least 40 years --accidentally or on purpose , so thats kinda lame.

As far as air - never had any problems with that by chewing gum. as far as calories I've chewed sugarfree for years.

Been banded 6 months now, never had an issue with gum at all.

Hi!

No chewing gum I think is mainly due to it possibly getting stuck if you swallow it. My doctor has had to go in after swallowed gum too! Not something I want to risk!!

Maybe the long-term banders at your local support group are at goal and might not be filled!!

I don't want to chance getting gum stuck! Having food stuck is bad enough until it goes down by itself, but to have to have surgery to have something removed!! dont' want that!

Terri

I've never in my 43 years swallowed gum. I seldom chew it for longer than 15 minutes anyway - once the flavor is gone, it's outtathere. About the only time I chew it anymore is when I'm flying. I did buy a pack of sugar-free gum a week or so after my surgery because of the bad breath from the ketosis I was in. It made me feel my breath was fresher, at least, even if it wasn't.:smile2: