Drinking Straws

[Shun 12]

Hello Everyone, What is the rule on drinking out of a straw?

[traceyinflorida 499]

The rule is no straws. It has something to do with sucking in too much air. I am not sure if this is forever, or just in the first several months or first year.

[melissarn25 30]

It depends on your surgeon. I have been drinking out of a straw since week 3. It helps me get my fluids in : )

[Wheetsin 714]

No straw is the most frequent rule, and probably the most freely/frequently broken rule.

Do a search for "straw" or "straws" and you'll see lots and lots of research & introspection on the pros/cons of using straws.

[Rootman 1,101]

I for one say that the NO STRAWS "rule" is total BS! Sorry, had to say it. If you take note of how you drink form a straw you will notice that you suck a column of liquids up into your mouth with very little to NO air, perhaps exhale a bit through your nose then swallow the liquid. In fact I would wager to say you get more air by drinking straight from a glass than with a straw.

[Wheetsin 714]

Agreed.

Really - I'm fairly certain eating with your mouth open (guilty, unless I'm around people who would care) is going to send more air down than a straw will. Or chewing gum for that matter, or something chewy/sticky. Or slurping a hot Soup or drink. Or...

[GetNSkinny 1]

I have pretty much ignored this rule from day 1. I don't agree that you get too much air, I feel like I get less. AND, the air I do get, I'm able to burp up pretty easily.

My advice, if you haven't used a straw yet, take it easy at first to see how your sleeve will react and go from there.

[latinmami0511 186]

I myself was thinking how much easier it would be to get Protein and liquid in If I can use a straw. But I think it's too limit the intake amount because we are suppose to "sip". I for one want to drink out of a straw and have a nice amount of Fluid instead of a cheap sip that leaves me wanting more

[Shun 12]

Thanks everyone! :-)

[Wheetsin 714]

There's still a swallow that has to happen once the liquid is in your mouth. With both of my WLS I've been able to drink through a straw, then "ration" how much I let myself swallow at any point in time. One drag on a straw may last 3 - 4 swallows. I'm far enough post-op now thaat I can drink several mouthfuls in a row, but I was super careful in the beginning (I had to be, liquids HURT!)

I myself was thinking how much easier it would be to get Protein and liquid in If I can use a straw. But I think it's too limit the intake amount because we are suppose to "sip". I for one want to drink out of a straw and have a nice amount of Fluid instead of a cheap sip that leaves me wanting more

[suzilouise 13]

When I was in hospital after the op all I was allowed was Water for the first day and a half. The water was served with a straw. I take all cold fluids with a straw and had no problems.

[DIRTYMESKIN 33]

straws Are the best invention ever