Post-Op - Can you use a straw?

[Ellie4me 1]

I read some other post that mentioned never using a straw but my surgeon never mentioned this at all. I've been using one since a few days after sleeved. Is the issue just drinking too much? Is there another issue I missing?

[FishingNurse 1,210]

I didn't for the first 2 or 3 weeks because extra air can get in your tummy but I use one everyday now and have since 1 month out.

[ChooseToChange 19]

Just watch the air intake...the only time I use one is Protein Shakes. Bit other than Protein shakes I only drink bottled Water so I guess that's moot. Lol

[PdxMan 4,292]

Yes, I used a straw. As mentioned above, they say not to use one because of extra air going in and that take room in your small tummy which is needed for liquids ... Protein ... food. But I think it depends on how your own swallow mechanism works. For me, using a straw actually allowed less air to go in. I think I must have been a gulper when I inhaled my food pre-op. When I used a straw, I sucked the air out first, stopping the staw with my tongue, and then drinking the liquid down. No air at all. If I just drank out of a glass, I always got air in.

So, I think you just need to experiment and see what works best for you.

[NikiS 31]

Initially, I didn't use a straw. I was told that it does cause air to get into the tummy but now I use one just about everyday and to be honest I don't really notice a difference. I never get hiccups or anything else. Oh well.. - LOL

[emsnewlife 0]

I started using straws at about 2 weeks post op with no problems. I am a big fan of straws and am glad that I can use them with no consequences.

[EJStorm 13]

My doctor didn't say anything about it and there was always a straw on my tray in the hospital and a straw in my glass every time he came in my room. I rarely drink anything without a straw and never had any gas/air issues.

[Chicadee 10]

I started using a straw without even realizing I was doing it. I was always told we shouldn't use them. Just at a restaurant one day I was sipping my tea and realized I was doing it. It has caused me no problems at all.