Question:
I read on someones profile to bring sugarfree hard candy to the hospital with you
because your breath is bad after surgery.What do you think of this,and can we use sugarfree hard candy even after we get out of the hospital? — natalie J. (posted on November 2, 2003)
November 2, 2003
I wasn't allowed anything by mouth for the first couple of days after
surgery because of the NG tube. But there's no rule against brushing your
teeth...JR
— John Rushton
November 2, 2003
I am taking lemon glycerine swabs with me to help with dry mouth. I had
heard you can't even brush your teeth. I guess I'll find out in 17 more
days!
— y0maria
November 2, 2003
I was allowed to brush my teeth as soon as I could get up, which for me was
the same day!
They did not allow candy or anything else that your doc didn't ok. I also
had little sponge/swab things to wipe my mouth out with, they worked
great.
— Saxbyd
November 2, 2003
I can't imagine that it would be fine to have hard candy in your mouth
while immediately post-op in the hospital. First of all, you're on pain
meds and rather woozy. Just think what would happen if you accidentally
swallowed a piece of HARD candy into your brand new pouch! Too dangerous
to take the chance.
— Vicki S.
November 2, 2003
I wouldnt advise the candy. I was given ice chips in the ICU, but
everyones surgeon is different when it comes to drinking or eating after
surgery. Never heard of the not being allowed to brush your teeth. That
sounds very odd. I brushed mine when I got back to my room. Not that I
really cared with all the morphine and all. LOL
— RebeccaP
November 2, 2003
My dr recomends it if you want it its not for your breath thoew its cause
your throat gets so dry with the tubedown your nose me and several of the
oher ppl i know of did it and w was fine hd no problems at all. I kept a
peice of candy in my mouth allot.I guess it just depends on the dr He has
done many many of the WLS and noone has had any problems at all with him.
Not only me but several oters also did ot even take any of thepain meds he
sent home with us. I knowthat ha nothing to do with the candy but he does
know what hes doing
— wildbrat
November 2, 2003
I wouldn't take the chance. While a swallowed piece of candy will dissolve
eventually, do you want to take the chance of a problem that early? Why
not brush your teeth often or take a package of those listerine breath
strips.
— Cathy S.
November 2, 2003
If you are desgnated to be NPO (non per os) or nothing by mouth, that
includes sugarfree candy. Like other posters said, you wouldn't want to
chance choking on it, and if your surgeon doesn't want anything going into
your new pouch for a day or so, you can get through it. Also , the
sweetners in sugarfree candy can cause gas and diarrhea in many
individuals, which is something else you really don't need to have to deal
with - or make worse- by eating sugarfree candy! And yes, you can brush
your teeth (as often as you want) just don't swallow the water you rinse
with. That was the first thing I did when I got settled after coming from
the rcovery room! (By the way, I stay away from sugarfree candy even now
because of that same reaction! I find it makes start craving real carbs, so
I avoid it.)
— koogy
November 3, 2003
I've seen people posting about offensive breath several times. Personally,
I didn't have that problem but then again, as soon as I could get up I
brushed my teeth. If someone is that concerned about their breath, I would
suggest taking a tongue scraper and listerine strips to the hospital.
Then again, I had my surgery done in Chicago and all my family lives in
Indiana. I did not want people fussing over me and just enjoyed recovering
for 2 days before going home.
Best wishes!
— Diane S.
November 4, 2003
I did not have this problem. However, I would not bring any type of SF gum
or candy. I was told no gum or candy for sometime after surgery. Reasons
being that you my sallow it and can block the opening of your stomach.
Also, your stomach may not be able to handle the sweetner at this time.
— Linda R.
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