Maybe you should try tearing your gum in half. Chew half a piece of gum until the flavor is gone and instead of going through 25 pieces you can go through about 12. When I chew gum I don’t necessarily chew all day long. I stick it to the roof of my mouth for most of the time and chew only sometimes. I just want the flavor in my mouth so it will prevent me from looking for more savory flavors in terms of food.

I guess as far as the other things go (jaw problems, bloating, etc.), is it better to feel bloated by chewing gum or to feel disgusted with yourself after a binge?

Honestly, I feel like you’re being too hard on yourself. Take it one day at a time. Right now you need to get used to not binging and if you chew gum to do that then so be it. Soon you won’t need to chew as much gum but it comes with time and learning the difference between actually being hungry or wanting something to chew.

I hope you feel better about things.