When can you use a straw?

[MichelleBryant 14]

My surgeon told me not to use a straw, but didn't tell me for how long. My post op apt. is not for a week so I was wondering how long others went before using a straw? I feel like I could meet my daily Water intake better if I used a straw.

[indecision 863]

I was told never again and I have stuck to it. All docs are different in what they ask of the patient though.

[BryBro63 410]

I also was told never to use a straw, since a straw will cause you to draw in more air, thus more gas and possible discomfort. I don't bother taking chances, so I don't use them anymore

[AvaFern 3,516]

I started using a straw within the first month after surgery, because it was the only way I could drink enough Water to not be dehydrated. I had that irritating pain all the way down my throat when I swalled a drink regularly. I talked to my doctor about it and he said the primary reason they tell people not to use a straw right way is because you can drink more, and the extra air and Fluid may make your stomach hurt. He said if it didn't bother me and that was a way I could get more Fluid, then I should go for it. I'm 8 months post-op now and I've been using a straw since the first month without any issues.

[PdxMan 4,292]

The basis for the straw thing is that some people, when sucking through a straw, may also swallow air when they drink. Perhaps they begin the sucking motion before their lips hit the straw ... maybe they don't filter the air out and ingest the air. Also, so folks with a straw drink large amounts quickly. As you can imagine, these scenarios would cause discomfort.

Myself, I do not have either behavior, so I have been fine drinking through straws. I think if you are careful, you can use a straw. If you find discomfort after using one, then you should refrain from its use. But if you find you do not ingest air when using a straw or have the ability to moderate your flow of liquids, then you should be fine.

[Jennifer2575 55]

I use a straw for getting in my Water and meds! It help me increase my Fluid intake and it's a lifesaver!

[MIMamaof2 30]

I wasn't allowd to for 8 weeks. I forgot about week 4 though. After that I went back to "No straw". I do get my fluids in better with a straw cup.

[tarahuff82 7]

From day 1 I have been using straws. The hospital also told me to use straws too when bring me my liquids when I was in there for surgery. And I can honestly say I've never had the gas pains people on here speak of. I burp and pass gas but it's never painful and my whole surgery went smooth. No pain except my Migraine, didn't take or have any pain meds after surgery and was walking 2 miles the day I came home from the hospital. I am almost 1 month out (sleeved on 4/21) and have lost 40 lbs so far, but am at a stall...6 days the scale has not moved. Anyway, my NUT and surgeon never said anything to me about not using straws.

[piercedqt78 658]

I was brought a straw in the hospital the day after my surgery. As soon as my leak test was done, they brought me a lunch tray, and there were 2 straws on the tray, one for my tea and one for my Water. I asked and the nurse said they were fine to use, I have never NOT used a straw and have no more gas/pressure/whatever else they say.

[mollz007 60]

I was never told not to use a strat, so I started using them as soon as I got home. It's the only way I will drink my shakes.