Okay so this evening I was chewing some gum and then for no reason I swallowed my piece of gum!!! Clearly I wasn't thinking but can I do serious damage to my band?? I am 2 weeks post-op to the day and I would hate to hurt myself or my band. Suggestions? Similar experiences?

I haven't been banned yet but was told in my nutrition class yesterday that we are to never chew gum. The reaso given was that we might accidently swallow it and it can block the hole and then foods couldn't pass. I don't think it does damage to the band itself, only you when you get stuck. :smile:

Okay so this evening I was chewing some gum and then for no reason I swallowed my piece of gum!!! Clearly I wasn't thinking but can I do serious damage to my band?? I am 2 weeks post-op to the day and I would hate to hurt myself or my band. Suggestions? Similar experiences?

Probably should tell your Dr. You will probably know quite soon if you are blocked. Hopefully it passes right through. I know about gum chewing. I chew nicorette and have some sort of gum in my mouth all the time. I have never swallowed it and hopefully never will. I hope yours passes without a problem. Be sure to check back and let us know!

At 2 weeks post op, you still have a wide opening between your '2' stomachs, and I think your gum will go right through it. It isn't until after you have some fills that you experience many things getting stuck. I am 6 cc in a 10 cc band, and to be on the safe side, I cut my pills that I swallow in half so they don't get stuck. Just call and ask your doctor what he thinks. It will only take a phone call to know for sure. God bless. Patty

I chew gum A LOT. Mind you, I am not saying it is okay to do it, I am just saying I do. I quit smoking, quit sweets, caffeine, soda and general overeating all at once and I needed that vice to not backslide, especially with smoking.

Anyhow, I swallowed gum once too, it was about six months ago and nothing happened. The concern is having it get stuck at the band and you would probably know by now whether that was the case.

I did the same thing at about the same time. Thank God nothing happened. I think that God sometimes watches over those of us who need it most:tongue2:

I am a gum chewer, and I swallow it frequently without thinking about it. I have been deathly afraid to chew post gum post banding for that reason. My Dr told me absolutely no gum chewing, ever, because of that. I would call the dr just to let them know, but I am sure its prolly ok.

I would be careful. You may have been lucky this time since you don't have much saline. Next time you may cause yourself plenty of misery. I have been stuck a few times in the last year, it is a feeling I don not wish to repeat, especially with something that may not pass through. I now have 8.5 cc in a 10cc band. It would be foolish option on my end to chew gum.. Good luck!!

I too was told no gum forevermore after the band due to the physical hazard it poses. Swallowing it once you are tight can cause an emergency situation that requires surgery.

Best to give up that habit. I am glad you are okay this time.

I accidently swallowed a piece of gum yesterday. I was scared after it happened, I realized it may get stuck. I am 4 and a half weeks post-op. So far everything seems ok. It was Christmas Day, so I called ask a nurse. She said if I felt fine and didn't get sick, everything should be ok. I wasn't told as far as I know not to chew gum, but I've learned my lesson now.

I have never in my life swallowed gum! I was taught to throw it away when the flavor was gone.

I was also told my the doctor not to chew gum ever again and I don't. I paid too much and jumped thru too many loops to get my surgery. I am not going to take a chance on ruining my band for a silly peice of gum!

Best to rethink that gum idea.