Question:
Anyone out there have the surgery with no bottom teeth?
My sister (age 67) is pre-op as well as myself. Her Dr.'s office called yesterday and said she MUST get bottom teeth before he will operate. Her problem is that her jaw has degenerated and it won't hold false teeth. She tried other means a few years ago and her body rejected them and she has learned to eat and chew with no bottom teeth. She has told the Dr.'s assistant that she is aware that it will pose a chewing problem, but is mentally prepared to eat soft food and puree'd food and carefully pick what she eats and do more chewing than the average person. She hasn't heard if he will change his mind, but I'm wondering if anyone out there has done this without teeth and what problems they have encountered? — dinky (posted on November 11, 2005)
November 11, 2005
This is a new one on me. Your sister can't be the only pre-op with this
issue, though. Have you asked this on the main message board?
I can see the doctor's point (I must admit, I was curious why you asked),
but surely this wouldn't necessarily be a dealbreaker. Could she talk to a
dietician and see what options are out there?
Good luck to her!
— Jeanie
November 11, 2005
Maybe her dentist can get in contact with the surgeon and they can discuss
her unique issue. Sometimes when two professionals talk together it has
better results.
— ChristineB
November 12, 2005
I had the surgery without any teeth but I do have dentures and I instantly
felt your pain. Maybe you can get another DR. Or someone who is more
sensative to your plight. Good Luck and I wish only the best for you.
— Chelsealynn
November 14, 2005
I had surgery June 1, 2005. I have no jaw teeth just the front teeth. I
am down 125 pounds, in less than 6 months. Yes, I have some problems
chewing my foods, (meat) if it is to dry. I have learned to eat softer
foods or just be prepared to chew very well, not that I really chew. I was
told by my dentist to wait until I had surgery, lost the weight, and
leveled off before I get partial plates, otherwise I would be waisting my
money. I guess if you loose this much weight then everything shrinks.
Talk to the Dr. again and try to come to a agreement of some sorts. Best
of luck. Ardie
Lap RNY 6-1-05 311/125/186
— ArdieB
November 21, 2005
I had my teeth when I had my surgery but 1 year post-op I had my top teeth
removed and had to wait 3 weeks tog et my denture. Then at 2.5 years out I
lost my bottom teeth and again had to wait but this time it was 6 weeks for
my denture. I had no problem with chewing I chewed with my gums. LOL. I
still often remove my teeth before a meal as I find my bottom teeth hurt. I
have no bone in my bottom of my mouth either but I use polident for my
teeth to stay in and it works. My top teeth are really too big now as I
have lost about 80 pounds since I got them. I habve to use polident on
both my upper and lower teeth.
I cannot see why a doctor would deny you surgery because you don't have
dentures. If you must get a lower plate I would go for a temporary plate
which is less expensive until you get further out from surgery. Usually a
temp plate consits of the middle 6 or 8 teeth. I had one which was 6 teeth
after my lower surgery after 6 weeks until could afford a permanent
denture. I am now 4 years2 1/2 months out.
Good luck. Bobbi 322/148/130
— bzerm01
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