Dumb question:

[xrayyoung22 16]

How come we can't use a straw?

[Granny Barbie 41]

It puts air in your stomach. I get the hiccups and feel full.

[AvaFern 3,516]

You can use a straw and for many they find that a straw is the only way to get enough fluids the first few weeks. Surgeons tell you not to use a straw because there is the possibility that you might get a bit of bloating or gas if you end up sucking in air. I accidentally drank something with a straw about 2 weeks post-op and it was the first time I got in enough Fluid. I am now almost 2 years post-op and I always drink with a straw. Initially it was because it hurt to swallow and now it is probably just a matter of habit, but it is far more comfortable to drink with a straw right after surgery than it is not to.

[_Kate_ 2,224]

@xrayyoung22 Not a dumb question at all

[xrayyoung22 16]

Ok so if we can tolerate it, it's ok? Because I too get more Fluid in through a straw and have no issue.

[lauraellen80 855]

My surgeon and dietician's instructions only said not to use straws for the first week or so. I regularly use a Hydro Flask water bottle that has a straw--like others said, it can help you get in your fluids. I'd say, try it out and see how it works for you.

[cat268 26]

I don't use a straw now and never will again. Pre-op, in one of the seminars, they recommended that we get used to not using a straw so I quit using one. Immediately I quit having those embarrassing minutes when every time I stood up or bent over I made very audible noises. I don't care if we can tolerate it or not, I will never use one again! LOL

[Bufflehead 6,358]

They brought me a tray full of drinks with straws in them a couple hours after my surgery. I didn't ever use them because I don't really like straws. But apparently my medical team has no problem with straws. They were never mentioned to me one way or the other.

[cjnorris 103]

My first month was no straw. Mainly to eliminate air in stomach while my new stomach was healing. I drink out of a straw from time to time now with no problems. Good Luck

[Georgiagirl27 17]

I use a straw all the time and it hasn't bothered me . I had surgery 18 months ago and I'm maintaining a 100 pound weight loss.

[natnat919 165]

My NUT said that we should never use a straw, for the rest of our lives. But in the first couple of weeks after surgery, I wasn't able to get in all my fluids by sipping. So I decided to give it a try and I've had ZERO gas or belching and I use the straw now every day. Now I'm getting fully hydrated and no side effects. It's the only rule I break

[Dr-Patient 830]

I use one every day when deliberately trying to get in my water/evening fluids. No problems. Easier for me to get good gulps.

[Kathy812 794]

Amazing the variations from doctors. I was told no straws the first two months while my belly was healing . I have used one every day since my two month follow up, with no issues.

[lmhelmick 79]

If I don't use a straw I don't get enough liquid in. Gulping hurts. Sipping with straw is much easier