Chewing Gum and Alcohol

I was just wondering is it ok for me to chew gum.  I know I DO NOT need to swallow it but can I at least chew it? Also, I am now 2 weeks out how long before can I have an alcholic drink? I know that I have to consider the calories but aside from that how long?  

I chew gum all of the time!  As long as you don't swallow it, you should be fine! I am not sure on the alcohol thing but make sure you are off your pain meds first  :)

I chew gum all the time with no problems.  My doc said one year before drinking alcohol....  You know the answer - better ask your doc. 

I do both- just make sure you absolutely do NOT swallow the gum, then you won't have any problems.  About alcohol- my doc said something along the lines of "its a liquid, right?"  He said just don't consume too much b/c of the empty calories, but otherwise it won't hurt the band.  I think i waited a couple of weeks anyway.

Don't know on the gum--I am three weeks out and I have had alcohol.  Just be careful bc if you are eating less you get drunk much easier.  I think they just tell you that  bc it is high in calories, breaks down vitamams, etc etc. I am not willing to give up my glass of wine or two, and if I have to go to the gym 7days a week to have it, I will :)

I guess the gum thing is cool, but my nutritionist said absolutely no alcohol for a year. I don't know the specifics on why, but I have went ahead and made the choice to live with that decision just as I have to follow as many rules of the band as I can. Anything to keep from gaining weight you know what I mean?

At our support group meeting the other day we had a conversation about alcohol. I stupidly asked the question "So...when can I drink again?" lol...they all laughed and my nutritionist just smiled and shook her head. lol I managed to add in "well I DID just turn 21 you know!"  so she answered of course as a nutritionist and said "It's never good to drink alcohol if you're on a diet. the calories are ridiculous" but she did mention that it's okay after about a month-6 weeks...the general healing period. It's easier to get sick from it at the beginning stages of recovery, so better off waiting. She also mentioned that due to the size of the pouch...you get drunk a lot easier. One girl [3 yrs post-op] said she gets drunk off of one glass of liquor.  But to also make sure you drink before eating, not after. And wait 10-15 minutes before eating after drinking liquor. Hope that helps somehow!

I chew gum all the time and I haven't had any problems with it.  But like everyone else said PLEASE don't swallow it.  I also drink pretty regularly and if you consume too much it will make your stomach hurt or give you indigestion.  I have also realized that's part of the reason that I have not lost that much weight.  I waited about 2 months before I had a drink and when I did I started off pretty light.  Also if you happen to get pretty drunk make sure you have friends around to watch you.  Because the first time I got drunk after having the surgery I went to McDonalds and got a double cheeseburger.  I started eating it and not paying attention I know I swallowed some whole pieces.  I was in the backseat of my car screaming and rolling around like a baby.  So just be careful!  Hope I was able to help some.

I am a gum chewing nut!  Couldn't go daily without it.

Hi there, I chew gum but of course do not swallow it. I was told no alcohol for a year and always have someone to drive you even if you have one. For the empty calories I would rather have some chocolate!!!!! Rose M