Chewing

I noticed this weekend that I don't have to chew food as much as I use to do before swallowing it. Before I had to chew it to mush. Has anyone else noticed this or is it just me?? I am wondering if not chewing well will scretch the pouch?? I don't do it on porpose.I just happen to notice it. Years of eating fast and chewing very little is a hard habit to break. Kay

I've noticed the very same thing Kay. I say we give this question to Dawn -- she's so good at researching these things! Susan

Ok, I thought I was just being greedy. Yes Dawn is a good researcher. I remember I mentioned to her that I ate 1 french fry and said I wondered how much fat and calories was in that 1 fry and guess who looked it up??? Gotta love the girl, What would we do without her?? Kay

I've noticed it too, even though I've been trying to make sure I always chew, but every once in a while I don't chew it to death. The reason for this should be because the stoma has probably stretched out a little by this time. It shouldn't have to do w/ pouch itself or swallowing, just that the stoma is a little bigger and can handle a little more than mush. Karla

Yes, I too have noticed that I don't spend the time I used to chewing. I would think that chewing well is probably most beneficial to the digestion part of the process. I wouldn't think it would stretch the pouch. It is still the same volume of food, so as long as it is chewed, it wouldn't matter. (Unless of course you swallowed something very large, then it may obstruct, but that is another issue). Example: A ounce of cheese chewed well is the same amount of an ounce of cheese, cubed and unchewed. So, I wouldnt think that would be stretching it... however, it may sit funny in the pouch Anyway, I have been trying to chew better because A) I find it is more comfortable in the pouch when I do and B) It takes me longer to eat and that is more satifying to me.

Hi Kay~ Here's what I found: "Your pouch and stoma will stretch over time and allow you to eat more food. This is how your weight loss eventually stops and this is one reason weight may be regained to some degree" I would have to say that because our stoma is beginning to increase in size (was the size of a dime immediately after surgery) that we, though it may be subconscious, are chewing less thoroughly because it is not as necessary due to that increase. Hope that helps!! Dawn

Thanks Dawn!!!!!

I am glad it isnt just me noticing these things. I tried some lavash the other day and caught myself swallowing before I had it thoroughly and it went down ok, but it was a little heavy so I made sure to make my next bite a bit better chewed. I guess we really are going through all these things at about the same time!! Great thought Kay! Steph