Question:
Sugar Free Candy

I am one week post op, on liquids right now including creamed soups (no chunks of course) I am wondering if it would be ok to suck on a sugar free candy such as the fruit flavored crystal light hard candy's. I am experiencing dry mouth that is very annoying. And of course I would be sure to not accidently swallow it. Thank you. Diana    — Fogg1958 (posted on December 23, 2009)

December 23, 2009
I think it would be ok, at least it was for me. I was allowed with a warning to be careful and not swallow gum or candy. Remember though, sugar free doesn't mean calorie free, so I wouldn't suck on them constantly throughout the day!
   — Jennifer F.

December 23, 2009
A lot of sugar free candies have sorbitol and that can cause diarrhea even in folks without surgery so I would ask the nutritionist. I was told no so I just scratched it off the list. The nutritionist said that it can make you hungry and it does not break the habit of having something constantly in your mouth.
   — jvannatta

December 23, 2009
Diana, if you are experiencing dry mouth, try squeezing a lemon into a little water. It will make your mouth water like crazy. Manitol, Sorbitol, and other alcohol sugars are, in effect, laxatives. If you are experiencing constipation, they can help, but like others have said, they are not calorie free. Be aware that after the surgery, they will not let you have water or ice chips until they are certain you won't leak. By the time I got a cup of ice chips, my mouth tissues absorbed them so completely that I never had to swallow. Every individual is different, and some tolerate some things better than others. Just know that if you have a life, the surgery is worth it, and do as your doctor tells you, or you will be your own punishment. Most people that experience pain: 1.eat too fast 2.take too large bites 3. fail to chew as thoroughly as they should. 4. take one bite too many or 5. don't listen to their bodies at the time they eat or 6. Try to eat fatty foods, spicy foods, pork, carbonated beverages, sweets, etc too soon. I can eat all of these, 17 months after my RNY, but sometimes they hurt me. Peanut butter, Waffles, etc also cause me pain. You might have no problem with any of these. Just be aware of your own body, and realize that the "rules" are there for a purpose, and that is for YOUR well being, and so that you don't undo the surgeons hard work. Good luck, God bless and Merry Christmas as you proceed on your journey into your new life. Dusty
   — Dusty Ray Vaughn

December 23, 2009
I asked the same to my surgeon and he said 'absolutely not!' Why? Because you are only on fluids right now, what if you swallowed it whole. Your little pouch would have a hard time with it my dear. Dry mouth is normal after surgery.
   — [Deactivated Member]