Can you chew gum after the surgery?

[mem222]

Can you chew gum?

[ximmia]

It's your journey. You can do what you want. Surgeons usually advise against it because a) it can introduce gas and b) it can cause problems if you swallow it.

If your gas is manageable and you don't swallow your gum, make your own decision. Personally I don't but only because I can't find a gum that works with my taste buds post-sleeve.

[bikrchk]

I was told "no" as if you swallow it by accident, they may have to surgically remove it. Not worth the risk, they said. And I haven't chewed gum since. I've learned to enjoy mints instead.

[Terribj]

My nutritionist suggested I stop now to develop the habit not to want to chew gum. Not that I'm a big gum chewer, but new habits earlier makes it easier later.

[dackn8tr]

I was told no gum post-op because it causes you to take in extra air which can be painful, the same reason as the "no straws rule". I tried gum a few months out of surgery, got "uncomfortable" so i spit it out and didn't think about it again for about a year but now I will occasionally grab a piece to chew on and have no issues with it!

[shemarie]

I do chew it occassionally when I have a bit of an upset stomach, it makes me burp, which is what I am looking for. I don't ever keep it in my mouth long though.

[awholenewme77]

I have chewed gum with no problems.. I would maybe wait 3-4wk post op.... and of course don't swallow it... yuck more for breath or taste in mouth

[BBLovesBB]

I'm not chewing any gum. I have two friends who tell me that my taste buds will change. No spicy food cause that creates gas. My first friend works at a produce place. She juices now. That's what doing for my pre pre-op diet. My second friend had no gas she stopped eating meat. She lives in Texas wheremeat is a big deal. So I stopped eating all red meat.

[jerzeygirl]

ximmia and I are on the same page I chew gum daily, and have since the first week after surgery. I never swallowed gum, and don't plan on doing so now. However, I never use a straw because that does give me air.

[JustWantToBeHealthyAgain]

I don't chew gum because I'm afraid of swallowing it. I don't have too many issues with gas but I did in the beginning. If I remember to eat slowly and chew really, really well, I don't have gas. I occasionally use straws but not often.

I think if gum doesn't give you gas and you aren't at risk for swallowing it, then that's up to you. Me, I sometimes swallow gum on accident, at least I did pre sleeve. It used to happen 20% of the time, no joke.

Spicy foods may or may not bother you post sleeve. I find that they don't bother me at all. I don't have heartburn or gas from them. I eat chili and I also eat/make chicken with some spice. I've never been a huge one for very spicy (don't like hot sauce) but I don't eat bland food only. I actually have some chicken curry leftovers that I am going to eat later. I love curry. So glad I can eat it post sleeve.