QUESTIONS FOR MY FELLOW JANUARYS

1. Can we have/eat popcorn...is it ok? I've tried it twice with no problems except I ate too much of it 2. Can we drink out of straws? 3. Can we chew gum (and walk at the same time, sorry that was unavoidable) I am self pay so it costs when I have questions like this for my nutritionist. Beth -60 and holding for now

I am not sure about the popcorn, but I would love to know!! I have been smelling others eat it at work everyday and I would love to have some. As for the straw, I use one every morning with my protein shake and so far so good. My doctor did tell me absolutely no gum though!! He said if I accidentally swallowed it might get stuck (could block your pouch opening)and I would possibly need a surgery to remove it. I stick to Tic-Tacs to be safe. Hope that helps and if you find out about the pocorn let me know. Cindy

Beth: I don't do any of the three things on your list, no popcorn because I don't want to get in the habit of snacking, no straw or gum on the advice of my MD. But everyone's MD's advice is different. Monique

Hi: No gum ever!! popcorn must be airpopped with no butter. avoid straws if you can....cant remmeber why but it is in my instructions from the surgeon.

Hi Beth, The handout that my doctor gave me for reintroducing food puts popcorn at 12 weeks. At 9-11 weeks, it lets me add grapes, nuts, raisins. At 12 weeks, I get to add popcorn, red meat, and citrus fruits. I'm supposed to ALWAYS avoid coconut and carbonated beverages. I can have alcohol after 1 year. it says no straws because drinking from a straw pulls too much air into your stomach with each sip. Gum also makes you swallow air. Carbonation is too much gas and can actually stretch the pouch! Hope that helps! But remember, everyone's doctor seems to have a different food program. Robin

Hey Beth, My surgeon said no straws and no gum chewing. Straws put too much air in the pouch and if you swallow the gum, will cause problems. I am not sure about the popcorn. I go for my checkup tuesday. If I remember, I will ask. Christie -49 and so stuck lol

I tried popcorn for the first time last week, and my pouch did not like it at all. After two bites I gave up. I've been drinking through a straw for several weeks now. This is the easiest way for me to make sure I finish my protein shakes, as I won't finish them if I'm just sipping through them. My doc doesn't have a problem with straws, as long as it doesn't give you gas. I have chewed gum once post-op (garlic issues - don't ask!), and it didn't bother me, either. The one nutritionist rule I have not been able to follow is no liquids with meals. You are supposed to save your room for food, but I just cannot eat a meal without liquids. There are worse things I could be doing! Melissa 399/325/180

As far as straws go.... can you belch on command? I belch in between sips (quietly of course) so I use them for thick protein shakes myself...LOL! Brightest Blessings for a Wonderful Day~ Jamie M. aka Lady Autumn Weight- 257/211/146 BMI- 44.1/36.2/25 Height- 5' 4" lbs lost: -46 Surgery Date: 1/19/05 My WLS Journey Site: home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-LadyAutumnsWLSjourney No matter what size, we are all Goddesses inside!

popcorn is ok just make sure dont get it stuck but no gum and i was told that straw gives you more gas than normal i have a friend that has popcorn each night for snack just a couple pieces i had my surgery jan 18 05 and i am at 33 pounds and 35 inches i am happy with what i have lost i only have another 50 pounds to go and i will be at my goal keep up the good work debby

I dont know about popcorn but Made Rite makes a popcorn with no kernnels and melts in your mouth...tastes just like the real thing. I've tried it and it's wonderful.....too wonderful, bad habit. Gum I heard was bad because you might swallow it. I have had it but don't chew it too long and I spit it out. I have also drank with a straw and didn't have any problems. I was told the reason they didn't want you to drink from a straw was because you might get too much too fast. But if you're aware of it you should be okay. I am six weeks out and down 38 pounds. Doc said I was right on track and everything was good.