Newbie question about the stomach

I have a question that I have not found the answer to while researching WLS. What happens to the section of the stomach that is seperated from the pouch? I read a post about not chewing gum because it causes the "old stomach" to produce acid. What is all this about?

Well, the old part of the stomach is stapled and cut apart from the new pouch, and it just sits there not doing anything I believe....I never had a problem chewing gum. Not sure where that information came from or if it is true. Just keep researching and asking questions, and you're headed in the right direction. You need all the information you can get!!! DeAnna

From what I understand the "old" stomach is separated and placed kinda behind the pouch, the length of intestine still attached to the old stomach is reattached further down the small intestine so that the digestive juices still help food processing. As for the gum...they tell us not to chew it because if we accidently swallow it it can stop up either of the stomas and that could require an EGD to remove it. Look up the procedure for RNY and examine the picture. Cheryl

Correct... The old part of the stomach is still a functioning organ. It's just not used to "store" food anymore. As far as chewing gum, I've heard to "stuck" thing too. Don't do it in the beginning especially. Now that I'm further out, I've chewed it... and it's the one thing that gives me just a hint of heartburn. So maybe what you've been told has some truth to it. Best to just stay away from it for a while. Best of luck! HUGS Kimberly