Question:
Can we have suger free Gum?

I have to cut up my meds as I'm 3 weeks post-op, they taste so nasty! Is sugar-free gum OK?    — Suzanne W. (posted on October 24, 2000)

October 24, 2000
Hey...im not experienced in this but i have heard before that chewing gum is not good early on after surgery because of the possibility of swallowing it and blocking the opening to the pouch...Now this may very well be another urban legend....you know the kid with the pop rocks kinda thing...but who knows...LOL
   — Tracy L.

October 24, 2000
Tic tacs work great for all the grungy mouth feelings. Good luck in your loss!!!
   — Jill C.

October 24, 2000
The Breathsavers line of mints are sweetened with manitol, taste great and crumble up very nicely if you have a tendency to chew. I use these after meals before I can drink water.
   — Allie B.

October 24, 2000
My dr forbids gums b/c if you swallow it, it can block your stoma and then you have a whole bunch of problems. I never swallow my gum, but I know one day when least expecting to I will. I chew gum, I chew trident and break the piece in half.. I try to make it small as possible, but not loose its effectiveness of getting nasty tastes out of my mouth or to keep my eating urges down. Good Luck
   — Alison B.

October 25, 2000
I was advised to stay away from gum of any kind until 12 weeks post-op because of the problems that can arise if you absent-mindedly swallow it. I found Crystal Light decaffinated sugar free iced tea with lemon helps me with bad tastes in my mouth
   — jzacherl

October 26, 2000
HI! Well Im about 5 1/2 weeks post op and I have chewed Sugarless Gum, my favorite brand is Extra. I had to crush my pain meds from the beginning and any other pills I have to take. I was told it wasnt a problem unless I swallow it and then it could be. I really dont know. But theres my story!
   — Tricee

June 15, 2002
Absolutely not. Gum could block the opening in your new stomach. If that happens you might require more surgery.
   — C. G.