So Why can't I chew gum?
Because swallowing gum could land you back on the operating table - it's big enough to block your sleeve and your new tummy is very unlikely to dissolve it.
Even if you never, ever, ever swallow your gum, do you want to take the risk of an accidental swallow? Think of it as being like running with a knife in your hand...as long as you don't trip, no problem, but who predicts a trip and if you do...very, very bad news.
Even if you never, ever, ever swallow your gum, do you want to take the risk of an accidental swallow? Think of it as being like running with a knife in your hand...as long as you don't trip, no problem, but who predicts a trip and if you do...very, very bad news.
Highest weight: 335 lbs, BMI 50.9
Pre-op weight: 319 lbs, BMI 48.5
Current range: 140-144, BMI 21.3 - 22
175+ lbs lost, maintaining since February 2012
I was told to avoid gum in the beginning because we tend to swallow a lot of air, and the last thing you need after surgery is more gas/air trapped in your system. You also need to focus on fluids and protein.
After a short while, I was allowed gum and chewed gum religiously, especially after my sleeve relaxed and more of my mindless eating wanted to set in again. Now I don't feel the need for gum as much and rarely chew it.
After a short while, I was allowed gum and chewed gum religiously, especially after my sleeve relaxed and more of my mindless eating wanted to set in again. Now I don't feel the need for gum as much and rarely chew it.
I never did get the "chewing gum" causing air. If that's the case then none of us need to speak post-op either.
The reason is because you could swallow it. At least this is what I was told, and it makes the most logical sense to me. We've got ugly, mangled, stapled off tummies, we don't need to risk swallowing gum.
After the healing period, there was no restriction on chewing gum at all. And, if you do swallow it, you'll poop it out or I guess it could get tossed into the appendix, isn't that what we told when we were kids.
As for straws, early out I couldn't drink through a straw because I would take too big of a sip, but a few weeks out, I found it way easier to hit my fluid intake goal with a straw and was given a straw in the hospital.
The reason is because you could swallow it. At least this is what I was told, and it makes the most logical sense to me. We've got ugly, mangled, stapled off tummies, we don't need to risk swallowing gum.
After the healing period, there was no restriction on chewing gum at all. And, if you do swallow it, you'll poop it out or I guess it could get tossed into the appendix, isn't that what we told when we were kids.
As for straws, early out I couldn't drink through a straw because I would take too big of a sip, but a few weeks out, I found it way easier to hit my fluid intake goal with a straw and was given a straw in the hospital.
Band to VSG revision: June 3, 2009
SW 270lbs GW 150lbs CW Losing Pregancy Weight Maintenance goal W 125-130lbs
SW 270lbs GW 150lbs CW Losing Pregancy Weight Maintenance goal W 125-130lbs
When you chew gum you salivate. When you salivate your brain sends a signal to your stomach that food is on the way. In preparation for food, your stomach produces gastrointestinal juices. Since there is no food actually on the way it could leave you feeling hungry...
I've also read that the excess saliva and stomach acids produced while chewing gum can irritate the stomach lining and or cause ulcers. In our situation that would be really bad!
I've also read that the excess saliva and stomach acids produced while chewing gum can irritate the stomach lining and or cause ulcers. In our situation that would be really bad!