No drinking through a straw?

[NewBandit95 1]

I read on my post-op paper work not to use straws. I am sure it is a very simple answer, but why not? And is this forever?

[bunnyluv37 1]

my new nutritionist says its for 6mos from surgery only because they put so much gas in you to move around during your surgery and using a straw with contribute more air.

[Mimilou2004 13]

I think it has something to do with air trapping and causing pain from a stuck bubble. I obeyed for a long time (months) and one day w/o thinking I used a straw and had no problem....the rest is history.

Good luck,

Mimi

[NewBandit95 1]

THank you for the quick responses! You all are the best!

Makes sense, and I will definitely abide by those rules, but I do love straws!

Thanks again

[Jess55 97]

I listened to that rule for about a week. I have not had any problems from drinking through a straw

[Puttingmyselffirst 1]

That is so funny because I was told to USE a straw for the exact same reasons, gas. Apparently, the belief of my surgical team says to use a straw to prevent gulping air and causing air locks. Not quite sure what an air lock is, but I don't want one. So I have been using a straw since my first sips of Water in the hospital. I have had no problems at all. So weird how doctors have different philosophies.

[spoiltmom 44]

I was told not to EVER use a straw again but I have 2 banded friends that do.

So are you using I could try it and it won't hurt my band?

[crzyfry 0]

This is really interesting to me. I too was told never to use a straw or drink champagne. I have used a straw a few times and I do feel like I have more gas when I do. But I agree everybody has different reactions. I know some people say soda kills them but it does not hurt me.

[Keia 4]

I started using a straw a couple of weeks ago. It does put more air in your stomach. But I've been able to burp the air back up. I drink more Water with my straw than without. After I get my second fill, I won't drink out of straws again for a couple of months.

I was told not to drink anything with carbonation...ever. But I do have a friend who had gastric 6 years ago and she doesn't seem to have any problems. But who knows if her stomach is being stretched out.

[Mjv013 67]

I use them whenever I want. I personally think it causes more gas or even causes gas. 5 months post-op I just burp some if I use a straw. I do take sips of soda but because of calories I dont drink more then a few sips. I have a friend that says soda hurt because of gas build up. I guess it depends on how big your stoma is. Oh, she said champagne is the worst feeling ever.

[vlp1968 83]

I was not told no straws. Infact, when I get my Water after a fill it's with a straw. I find it easier to take small sips through a straw. Funny how doctors are so different. I would say if you really enjoy straws, there is probably no harm in it. If it gives you gas trouble, stop. Best wishes!

[TexasNurseMom 5]

Is didn't use them at first but now I do and it's no problem.

[carol285 145]

I use a straw if I get something to drink out, such as an unsweetend ice tea, while waiting for my food. I like to have a beverage at the table just in case food is unexpectedly spicy. Didn't have one once & ordered something that turned out to be wicked spicy, my mouth was sorry lol!!

No issues when I do drink with a straw.

[elleelle 0]

I had the worse pain in my shoulder, I guess it was gas pushing on my shoulder blade. Even though my instructions I received from my doctor said nothing about a straw the support group i attended suggested not using it and lo and behold the pain went away. My doctor claimed there are mixed reviews on whether or not to use a straw, I would say just to listen to your body, trial and error which is what we do with most things now that we're banded. I still use a straw but every now and then. I was using it for everything I was drinking.

[AlienBandit 10]

I never heard of this until after I was banded. I thought it was interesting to hear because after my surgery my doc gave me a glass of Water with a straw to drink out of.

Though i don't usually use a straw with drinks sometimes I do when I am out and it has never been a problem. Sometimes docs say it is bad sometimes other docs dont seem to think it is a problem.

It is like the topic of chewing gum some are for or against it.