Chewing gum

[skinnygrrlatheart 2]

I chew gum constantly. I think it will be great post op, however I have heard from several people that gum chewing is a no-no. Anyone still chew gum? Anyone been told you can't / shouldn't?

[JerseyGirl80 12]

I chew gum, been chewing it since surgery (Dec 2010) I have no problems. I'm not quite sure why it would be a no-no other than it giving you gas because you tend to swallow air when you chew it?

[skinnygrrlatheart 2]

Victoria, yes I have been told it causes gas but thank you. I wanted some input from people with experience.

[JerseyGirl80 12]

I haven't noticed my gas being any different than before lol, I actually think I burp less now than pre-surgery. I haven't noticed anything odd when I chew gum, but everyone is different, some people might. Thinking back Doc's said the same about drinking through straws, I have no problems with that either.

[BayougirlMrsS 3,933]

my dr said NO!! GUM!! In fact my friend how had LB the year before me is the reason he tells us all not to chew it. For him it was not so much the gas, but because she swallowed it and it got stuck.... he had to remove all the fill for it to go thru and have her go back a few days later to put it back in.

So now... his rule.... no gum. i'm not a gum chewer so... no problem for me.

[skinnygrrlatheart 2]

OMG, Bayou- I can't imagine.

[JerseyGirl80 12]

If you're tight enough I can see swallowing it maybe being a problem. But gum does desolve eventually (as a kid I've fallen asleep with gum in my mouth, it definitely desolves after a while, even in your mouth it breaks down) it doesn't stay "gummy" forever so this seems a little strange to me that he had to remove all the Fluid. That had to suck, I guess anything is possible.

[BayougirlMrsS 3,933]

i know, she has done great with the LB and is an inspiration to me... she was my confidant thru my surgery. No one else at work knew i was having the surgery. If not for her i probably would still be 223lbs...or more by now.

All the best to you....

[skinnygrrlatheart 2]

Thanks Bayou. I'm being banded on October 27. Very excited.

[BaileyRose 13]

My dr says no gum too. I sometimes chew it but just try to stay very aware that it's in my mouth.

[TracyW2 137]

I still chew gum.

[mabinty 3]

Boy do I chew gum!!!!!!!! I Luv gum!!!!!!! I have a 2pkg a week habit!!!!! I chew from the time I wake up until the time I sleep!!! I would chew it in my sleep if I could!!! I pop it!! I blow bubbles!!!!!!!! Big ones!!!!!!! Nov 22 been band one year So enjoy

[skinnygrrlatheart 2]

Awesome. Thanks, mabinty.

[Chasity Henson 4]

so glad this issue got brought up my gum habit is the only habit i still have i gave up the cokes and i don't smoke or drink but if i get stressed i pop some gum in my mouth i am a chewing fool for a while. I would say i chew at least 5 pieces a day. So glad I will still be able to enjoy this after i get banded end of nov/ or beginning of dec.

[AlienBandit 10]

I love gum and would die if I was told not to chew it.

This is a big debate here and though I read of people who know of a person who's friend chewed gum had a stuck episode and had to have emergency surgery, I have yet to read of someone on here who this has happened to personally.

I have accidentally swallowed gum 2 times since being banded. The second time I was mega overfilled and could barely take in any Water for weeks ( there was an issue with my doc and couldnt get unfilled) and yet the gum didnt cause a problem.

My doc also isnt against chewing gum and sometimes even offers me some if I am chatting with him and he is about to have some.