Question:
Im addicted to chewing gum..
Does anyone know if it's ok to chew sugar free gum 3 weeks after surgery?? — pleal184 (posted on January 2, 2009)
January 2, 2009
While you might want to reflect on the reasons why you feel
"addicted" to it in the first place...the reason you should avoid
gum after WLS is because it could cause a blockage if you accidentally
swallow it.
— suezahn4me
January 2, 2009
About the chewing gum...gotta ask your doctor their view. Dr. Pupkova,
Langhorne Barix, says NO, not because of the gum itself being chewed
(unless it is loaded with sugar) but because of the chance of swallowing it
by accident or by design. It can clog the hole to your intestines and
cause havoc. Then some have chewed and done just that and have had no
trouble. Your call, but I would check with your doctor. When in doubt,
check it out with them. Lyn PS I chew now after 6 months, but don't
swallow.
— SkinnyLynni2B
January 2, 2009
my dr told me absolutely no chewing gum...he told me if accidently
swallowed which happens alot it could cause a blockage and we all know we
dont want that...beleive me I would love a peice just to have a flavor in
my mouth that last for more than 30 seconds...lol good luck
— luvinmyfour
January 2, 2009
I have heard both sides of this one. I have heard that we are absolutely
not supposed to chew gum after WLS as we could swallow air and have painful
gas or even have a blockage if we were to swallow it accidentally. I have
had LapBand which would make it easier to flush through, but could be a bad
situation with RNY I guess. What does your doctor say? I used to be
addicted to gum and chewing ice after quitting smoking- the whole oral
fixation/addiction thing. Well, I developed TMJ problems and had to have a
bunch of root canals- now I do neither much at all.
Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
— DawnVic
January 2, 2009
I guess I am the lone stranger, but I have constant dry mouth so I chew gum
when ever I got out walking. Haven't had a single problem, but I waited a
couple of weeks after my laproscopic RNY.
— katiecakes
January 2, 2009
My surgeon recommended waiting about four months ... It KILLED me because I
am a long-time gum addict, but I managed to survive! The first couple times
I chewed gum, my stomach felt weird - like someone was blowing bubbles in
there. After that, I was fine. You just have to be REALLY CAREFUL not to
swallow it.
— lauren_marie
January 2, 2009
I chew SF gum...I'm an adult...I think if I was one who tended to swallow
my gum, I wouldn't chew it for fear of it getting stuck...I use my own
discretion and care in chewing gum just as I do food, but for it to be
forbidden is just silly in my humble opinion...It's just as easy to swallow
something harder like a piece of nut or a bean...or a piece of meat or hard
candy (sugar free, of course)...If you feel you need permission, you might
just ask your surgeon...My surgeon never told me not to chew gum...I would
have protested unless he could give me a darned good reason! I do not fear
swallowing my gum...But that's me and I am not a surgeon or a doctor or a
nurse...I'm a responsible adult!
— .Anita R.
January 3, 2009
I chewed gum in the hospital day fo surgery once up and about, no problems
and I know better then to swallow it. I did just fine and doctor had no
problems with it.
— WannaBThin4OnceInMyLife
January 3, 2009
Was told by my MD/Nut no gum chewing...wish I could sometimes the cotton
mouth is very bad. I sip my water instead and have SF Popsicles.
Ronnye
— Ronnye_C
January 3, 2009
My surgeon had me bring SF gum to the hospital. I've been chewing it from
the time woke up after surgery.
It's not an addiction. The minty gums help fight nausea, food cravings,
and freshen your breath. SF gum has also been proven to help fight
cavities by keeping bacteria from bulding up on your teeth.
— Launa N.
January 3, 2009
That's a good question for your surgeon. One thing to be aware of, most
sugar free gum contains sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, manitol, etc.)
which can cause gas, cramping, and diarrhea.
— mrsidknee
January 3, 2009
I was told that if I were to chew gum, and if I would accidently swallow
it, it would cause a blockage, and then
I would have to get it surgically removed. My doc said it would be an
emrgency situation. You can't digest gum,like you used too. Hope this
helps! Good luck!
— lisa3959
January 3, 2009
My doc said chew if you must, but never ever swallow it. Just be careful. I
chewed from three weeks out on and I'm almost three years out now.Me too,
love to chew.
— jeanrenewed2006
January 4, 2009
my nut.told me that it was fine to chew sugar free gum as long as you don't
swallow it you should be fine. but if you are totally not sure i would ask
my dr. or nut. to be on the safe side. good luck to you.
— latreshar
January 4, 2009
I was told there are 3 no's. No chewing gum, no carbonated drinks, no
straws. The reason given was they all produce gases and could lead to
ulcers.
— casualclint
January 4, 2009
I was told if it was sugar free gum that it was alright to chew it. I
guess the main thing is, do not swallow it... I think that could be
disasterous.
— tkilpatrick
January 6, 2009
Thanks everyone for your reponses, I have an appt in a couple of days and
I'll find out then. You guys have truly helped out!! xoxoxo Patty
— pleal184
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