Question:
Hey all- can we chew gum after surgery?

I have to admit Im a chain gum chewer..... any problems with the constant digestive juices going?    — Coryn C. (posted on September 26, 2001)

September 26, 2001
I chew s/f gum after every meal, briefly. If you are RNY, there are no digestive juices in the pouch. They're sealed away in the lower stomach. That's why we malabsorb--no digestion, very little absorption. Your friend, your enemy. BUt the main danger with gum is if it sticks in the stoma. VERY bad things, as Al said.
   — vitalady

September 27, 2001
My surgeon said that I was not to chew gum for at least a few months after surgery. This is because gum chewing causes air to go into the new stomach and that is not such a good thing immediatly post op. Our tummies are healing, and being inflated with air could possibly stretch the pouch or at may damage healing tissues. Afterwards...be sure not to swallow it, and make sure its sugar-free!!!
   — Amanda G.

September 27, 2001
I'm not sure that air can stretch out a pouch. My doctor advised that if a wad of gum clogged up the plumbing, it would require a trip to the oerating room because gum can't be removed endoscopically and won't dissolve the way a mint will. He cautioned the same thing about popcorn kernels. I never chewed gum; but, I love popcorn. I didn't eat for a year after surgery.
   — [Anonymous]

September 27, 2001
My doctor said "NO GUM !", but just because it might get stuck in the stoma (opening). Unfortunately, he said that chewing and swallowing are so common, that gum chewers forget not to swallow after surgery and end up swallowing anyway. So..... I'm mourning the loss of my gum in advance.
   — Kathy J.

September 27, 2001
I am a constant gum chewer and had RNY 10 weeks ago and have had no problems at all. I havent swallow my gum in years so figure Im pretty safe. I think its been real helpful in firming up my jaw and chin as I lose weight. Good luck.
   — Jolie M.