Being Post-op & Chewing Gum

I don't know why this is a question right now but it is... If you're post-op,  do you chew gum? Have you had any issues (i.e. swallowing it & getting it stuck, or dumping if it wasn't sugar-free, etc.)? I think one of the programs must have told us that they advise against it and that is where my question is coming from...seems like an adult decision to chew gum or not too, but I'm wondering if they advise against because of possible complications that could happen if you swallow it. ??? Anyhoooo...your thoughts?

I was told not to chew gum.  I don't anyway since I never remember if I spit it out of not.  I did swallow it once and freaked out.  Had to throw up to get it out.  I would advise against it, but that is just me

Amy, I was also told not to chew gum, in case I swallowed it. Well I have never swallowed gum.  I waited about 2 months, and now I chew gum, only when I'm on the run.  Kelly

Hey Amy ~ As all surgeons groups are different, mine was ok if you chew gum as long as you dont swallow it.    I will say that I did have an issue where I accidentally swallowed a piece..  I Freaked...!!  Called my surgeon and they had me follow up with plenty of hot tea..  I didnt have any problems at all however  thats not saying that its ok to swallow your gum.  Nor is that saying my outcome would be the same for others.  If you are a habitual gum swallower, I would stay away from gum. I was a little gun shy to chew gum after that incident, but I am back chomping away.. Hugs to you!!

I chew gum, my surgeon didn't say I couldn't.  I do know that others surgeons have told them not to as they freaked out when they saw me chewing.  They were told that if they swallowed their gum, they would probably  need to have it surgically removed.   I had one time where I swallowed my gum accidentally taking a drink of water.  I personally didn't have a problem, but my stoma may be larger than someone elses too.  Who knows.   Do what your surgeon says and you'll be fine.

I was told not to chew gum.  I think it was because of it getting stuck possibly.  I have never been a big gum-chewer so it's not a big deal to me.

I quit smoking almost 3 years ago. I love the nicorette gum. I asked my surgeon if I would hve to give up that vise and he said he wouldn't dream of asking me to. I doubt it has sugar in it 'cuz it tastes like pepper.

I chew gum and never really stopped. It has helped me from doing alot of snacking!!!! Speaking of Gum, I think I'll have another!!! CarolN

Before surgery i chewed a LOT of gum...  kept my mouth from chewing other things  :)  BUT!  I'm also a swallower... so now I don't chew it  :(  ok, I did once and was so nervous I couldn't enjoy it!  lol Like others have said, do what the doc says and it'll be fine  :)

Amy~ I had that exact question! Thanks for being a step ahead of me and thanks to all for your input. I think I will need gum after surgery to keep from chewing on other stuff!