Question:
I'm 11 months post-op, and a few days ago I started having stomach pain when I ate

or drank any thing. Today, I can't eat or drink without pain. About 1 week ago I swallowed a piece of gum could that be the problem? I go for a swallow test in the moring. Please give me some info, I'm scared, this is the first problem I've had.    — patricia P. (posted on September 18, 2002)

September 18, 2002
HI, I AM ONLY 4 MONTHS POST OP, SO I AM NOT VERY EXPERIENCED AT THIS, BUT I THINK THAT YOUR PROBLEM COULD VERY WELL BE THE GUM YOU SWALLOWED, WHEN I WENT TO THE DIETICIAN BEFORE HAVING RNY, SHE TOLD ME CHEWING GUM WAS SOMETHING I NEEDED TO AVOID, BECAUSE IF I DID SWALLOW IT, THEY WOULD HAVE TO GO DOWN AND FISH IT OUT OF MY POUCH, SHE SAID THAT IT WOULD NOT PASS. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR SWOLLOW TEST, PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW THING'S TURN OUT FOR YOU. GOD BLESS YOU, SHEILA
   — SHEILA B.

September 18, 2002
I don't know what the answer to your question is, I just wanted to say that swallowing gum is not always or necessarily a serious problem that must result in a retrieval process. I have swallowed gum two or three times without negative consequences. Now, to those of you who like to jump on any "non-standard" answer, I am NOT suggesting that anyone go out & chew, then swallow their gum to see what will happen. I am only reporting my experience.
   — Kathy W.

September 18, 2002
you could also have an ulcer. Make sure that gets checked out. I doubt it is the gum.
   — Vicki L.

September 20, 2002
Since you are 11 months post-op, I don't think it's the gum. Gum is more of an issue for new post-ops. Have you recently eaten something that was out of the ordinary? As Vickie said, a ulcer is a possiblity but your doctor is the best one to ask. Good luck.
   — LLinderman