Has anyone's doctors told them to stay completely away from gum?

Mine never told me not to but I haven't specifically asked him. I'm curious because I like to have things in my mouth, and after gaining back almost half of my weight I'm curious if gum could be an alternative. My quick fix was to put my tongue ring back in so I would have something to play with at work instead of the various baked goods that are always readily available.

Any tricks or feedback is much appreciated. :ohmy:

My doc said absolutely no gum, no straws, no sucking air into the belly-

I have used some of the sugar free hard candy when needed or the SF mints and they satisfy the need for now....

lml32937 Thank you for sharing what your doctor told you. Was that only for the first month after being banded. congratulations on your weight loss :ohmy: Or was that a rule for the life of your band?

Thanks- To be totally honest I really dont know- There were so many no's involved (gum, straws, soda, bread, rice, sushi etc). I am being ANALLY careful so as not to mess up either "cheating" or with the band so for me personally a no means no like never again.....

BUT having said that- when I get slinky enough to be comfortable and fly somewhere...you better bet your bippies that I will be chewing gum- Have to to prevent my ears from popping-

Personally I think the gum thing is a bigger no for the porbability of swallowing it rather than the air part but who knows........

Yeah, that is what other have said. But I guess my concern about gum is that it makes me hungry for other sweets. You are doing so well, keep up the great progress.

Has anyone's doctors told them to stay completely away from gum?

Mine never told me not to but I haven't specifically asked him. I'm curious because I like to have things in my mouth, and after gaining back almost half of my weight I'm curious if gum could be an alternative. My quick fix was to put my tongue ring back in so I would have something to play with at work instead of the various baked goods that are always readily available.

Any tricks or feedback is much appreciated. :ohmy:

I had my pre-op orientation today and our dietary guidelines say No gum for six months after surgery, and NEVER swallow gum. The nurse said that if it is accidentally swallowed in the first 6 months, chances are very good it would get stuck, and because of it's consistency, might be impossible to get unstuck.

Sherri, thank you it is good to hear that point blank :ohmy:

I am a gum chewer and haven't had any issues. I accidentially swallowed it once and I was fine...not to say it could have its issues.

I also drink from a straw and I have had no problems with it, my Dr. said nothing about drinking through a straw only that I was supposed to stay away from carbonated beverages. None of the literature before or after my surgery says that it is harmful, but everyones rules are different. When in doubt always ask your Dr.

My Doc said NEVER EVER chew gum. His reason was accidently swallowing and it getting stuck. I was so taken aback by never ever, but he did scare me into not wanting to risk it.

I also asked my Dr. about gum and he said no problem, chew away.

It's so interesting how different Docs respond.

MyTurn 2BHappy,

I totally agree. :thumbup:

I chew gum to avoid grinding my teeth. Also, it helps to get past the need to chew. I have been told that it's ok but to avoid swallowing it.

i was only told no gum BEFORE surgery..it cause 2 ounces of stomach acid to churn..that was surgery tho..ive had atleast 5 pieces of gum and i'm 9 days post-op..no problems...i even had a piece in my mouth talkn to the surgeon today...just be careful hun

My doctor discussed gum chewing and straws at our last support group last week. The reason he discourage gum chewing and straws is due to the added air that you intake during both activities. The additional air swallowed causes that awful belching and gas that most of us experience. I am a gum chewer and I love my gum and straws but I have noticed that when I dont chew gum or use the straw my belching is a lot less.:thumbdown: HTH.

lol..alrighty! i haven't had that problem as of yet, but maybe chewing some gum will help me alleviate some of this left-over gas from surgery!! lol...take care