Question about chewing

Immediately after surgery and for a few weeks we are normally advised to chew everything to a baby food consistancy (at least this is the messaging from my centre). I am wondering about after, once introducing solids, do we still need to chew that much? Of course, I'm not suggesting swallowing giant pieces of meat or anything, but wondering if some texture or "chunks" would cause issues. Does the risk of getting food stuck decline with time?

This is a good question but I think there are 2 main reasons we are encouraged to chew thoroughly. 1) so it doesn't get stuck  2) so that it allows food more time to settle and digest in the stomach and help prevent over-eating, allowing us to feel fullness (which may take a bit for that sensation to return). The pouch is only so big and because of this the risk of food getting stuck and/or backed up is high, and I do not believe this changes over time due to our altered anatomy. I have been on "real" food for about 4 weeks now (almost 9 weeks out now) and was told to continue chewing slowly and thoroughly (at least 20 times a bite), continue avoid drinking and eating together and each meal should take 20-30mins to consume.

You should be chewing all food to an applesauce consistency for the rest of your life.  It helps prevent blockages and it slows down the entire meal.

A great theory - good luck with that in the long term ...

Thank you.

I chew normally - not swallowing great chunks (would certainly cause vomiting) but can't imagine chewing "everything" to babyfood consistency ...

My goal was to get to a point where I was functional - not "special" but to a point where I live a relatively normal life - eating food that will keep me healthful (not relying on shakes or bars for my nutrition), eating a "normal" amount - ie, the amount that people of a normal weight eat, and physically masticating my food like normal people, not swallowing huge gobs of food without chewing or washing it down with great swallows of liquid but chewing and swallowing in a functional way.

All of that is a choice - live as an RNY "patient" for the rest of your life or living as other people (who have not had WLS but manage their weight within normal parameters) do.

Thanks for this - this has been my ultimate goal - to be a regular person and have a lifestyle that is natural and normal and not to feel different at every turn. Glad to see it's possible!

Chewing "normally" is what i want - not to scarf food down, i realize there are so many benefits to eating slowly. Chewing to a paste makes most foods taste very unappealing -which i don't think food should always be.

amen sister. 

Your big old stomach acted like a blender or churn to move food around and break it down.  The tiny pouch does not do that so you have to chew more to break the food down.  The risk of food getting stuck does get less as the pouch grows bigger.

I was just pondering this on the way home from work. I get the idea that we need to chew thoroughly so that we don't overshoot that full mark but was thinking if I always chew to that almost liquid consistency does it then move through my pouch quicker therefore meaning I want to eat sooner???????? I too just want to eat normally- I was a potential Olympic champion speed eater previously!

Leisa