Question:
Why can't we use straws or chew gum?

My dr. office said to NOT use straws to drink or chew gum. My breath, as I lose weight, NEEDS gum and sometimes it would just help to have that going on in my mouth to ward off the munchies. And about STRAWS, I'm having the worst time getting all my liquids and believe it or not, it seems easier to get them in when I use a straw. Just curious on what YOUR dr. says on this.    — Allee Z. (posted on July 20, 2003)

July 20, 2003
We are not supposed to chew gum because we could accidentaly swollow it and it could cause a blockage, then you may have to get scoped to get it out. As for straws I too think it is easier to get in my water, so I use them, I was never told not to.
   — wizz46

July 20, 2003
Using straws cause you to swallow air and then you will have gas which is sometimes very painful.
   — Delores S.

July 20, 2003
<p>Hi, I was also told not to use a straw; I'm still pre-op, and I have sensitive teeth, so I wonder how I'm gonna get around this??? My teeth hurt when I drink unless I use a straw. As for the breath issue, how about sucking on some sugar free mints or candies? I don't chew gum; was told not to by my dentist, so I find that this helps me when I've got that "not so fresh feeling" LOL </p>
   — Moysa B.

July 20, 2003
My understanding is that straws should be avoided since they can make you more gassy (swallowing air). My Dr. says no gum since if it is accidently swallowed it can block the stoma, and it is also gas producing for some people. I used those breath strips instead.....good luck
   — Linda 1.

July 20, 2003
I am 5 weeks post-op and was told by my surgeon that I can't use a straw right now because of not knowing how much you are getting at a time. He said probably after my next check up I can start using them if I would like, but I am getting so used to not using one. Sindi W
   — SINDI W.

July 20, 2003
I'm a little over 3 months post-op. I asked my doctor about gum. He said it was fine. I chew Carefree sugarless gum. I chew gum constantly since probably 2 weeks post-op. I think my breath is nasty also. I also use a straw. They say you will swallow air, and it will cause gas with a lot of pain. It doesn't do that to me. Good luck.
   — Lisa C.

July 20, 2003
To show how different surgeons are, the first thing we get in the hospital after surgery is gum. If you don't bring your own, they bring it up on a tray from the kitchen. My surgeon thinks that it helps jump start the digestive system and that we are adult enough not to swallow it. And I used a straw from the first sip of clear liquids I had in the hospital. So, it varies from surgeon to surgeon.
   — Patty_Butler

July 20, 2003
I'm 13 months out and have used straws and gum all along. No problems.
   — Suzy C.

July 20, 2003
I know I'm adult enough not to swallow it, but sometimes I have in the past - so what I've taken to doing when I really want a piece of gum is I chew Dentyne. The pieces are small and even if I did swallow it, it should fit through my stoma just fine. :>) Hopefully anyway lol
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 20, 2003
I've used straws all along and have had a piece or two of gum though I try to avoid it since I do tend to swallow it. :)
   — susanje

July 20, 2003
I'm not a gum swallower, so I have chewed gum all along with no problems (20 mo post-op). I have also used a straw since the beginning with no problems. If you are worried about the gas issue, you could try the straw and see if you are a 'air swallower' or not. Then decide for yourself.
   — Cheri M.

July 20, 2003
My surgeon's group told us no straws & no gum. But they also are against protein shakes. Do I listen? Heck no! I do however, limit gum chewing to times when I have just eaten and can't brush the teeth...and I never swallow gum, haven't since I was a kid. The only time I EVER use a straw is when I drink my 2 or 3 protein shakes a day...makes them more filling and goes down quicker...even though I absolutely LOVE my Champion Nutrition Pure Whey Stack (chocolate). When drinking my water I don't use a straw. I think it helps with the oral health as well, IMHO. - Anna
   — Anna L.

July 20, 2003
P.S. To the poster commenting on sugar free mints, etc. Too many of those little suckers can give you a belly ache (bloating, gas) real quick. Plus, the artificial sweeteners, even in sf gum can stimulate the appetite in addition to the belly ache.
   — Anna L.

July 21, 2003
I was told not to use a straw for the first couple of months because you suck in air whcih can exacerbate those early-on gas problems. I occasionally use a straw now, and don't have any problems. There are at least two problems with gum. As previous posters said, it can block your stoma if you accidentally swallow it. Gum also makes you hungry. Your body's natural reaction to putting something in your mouth is to start the digestive juices going. Your stomach expects food then, and you will feel hungry if you disappoint it. So, long-term, it's a good idea to avoid gum so you don't trigger hunger when your appetite does come back.
   — Vespa R.

July 21, 2003
I was also told not to use either gum or straws. I must admit that by about 6 weeks post op, I did chew gum and still do occasionally. I believe the reason they don't want us chewing gum is because if you swallow it, it can block the opening to your pouch. As for straws, I have a suggestion.... don't do it. I used a straw once to drink my shake on my first day of work and wound up with uncomfortable gas pains. I believe it's because of the air that you get in when you drink through a straw. Save yourself some discomfort and don't try it.
   — Ceil G.

July 21, 2003
I was told not to use a straw because it creates gas bubbles in your pouch. I know gum chewing can create juices that make you hungry. I was starving all them time the first few weeks out of surgery...
   — Heidi J.

July 21, 2003
This came up once when I was pre-op. I asked my surgeon about it and he actually laughed. Unless you are swallowing the gum.....are we not adults here?
   — RebeccaP

July 21, 2003
another vote for straws here. i use one every day. was never told not to. i wouldn't sugest using one right after surgery because you tend to fill up fast as a new post op but 6+ weeks out you should be ok. best luck, kimberly open distal rny 11/12/02 -111lbs
   — kimberly T.

July 22, 2003
Our dietician recommended that my DH use a straw after surgery. He was a big water "gulper" pre-op. The straw slowed him down and probably saved him a lot of pain and throwing up.
   — koogy

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