luvcamaro 5 Posted January 19, 2016 Can I ever use a straw again? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrankyG 1,450 Posted January 19, 2016 I do all the time. The main objection is to be aware of how much air you're sipping in with your liquids. You just have to not sip down to the bottom where you're trying to get the last little bit as that also causes you to suck in a whole lot of air with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
luvcamaro 5 Posted January 19, 2016 I do all the time. The main objection is to be aware of how much air you're sipping in with your liquids.< /p> You just have to not sip down to the bottom where you're trying to get the last little bit as that also causes you to suck in a whole lot of air with it. Thank you!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrsSugarbabe 727 Posted January 19, 2016 I use a straw regularly at night while sipping liquids or during the day when drinking a Protein shake. No problem at all. I probably avoided straws for about the first 6 months just because my surgeon/NUT/PA and the written instructions said not to use a straw. I can't tell there's any difference when using one or not. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bufflehead 6,358 Posted January 19, 2016 My hospital brought me a tray full of different drinks -- each with a straw -- and told me to start drinking maybe a couple hours after surgery. I've never had any problems with straws (though I hardly ever use them, I don't like them) and they didn't cause me any problems immediatley post-op. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naturegirl 320 Posted January 19, 2016 I've used a straw since I was a few weeks out. I got in more liquids that way. You just have to learn that you cannot take as big/long of sips. That's the roughest part. If I'm at home I don't sure a straw, but at work I do and can sip all day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LipstickLady 25,682 Posted January 19, 2016 So our practice's NP told us in our pre-op class to never ever ever ever ever use a straw again. In the next breath, she told us to always carry a sports bottle full of Water so we were sipping all day. The bottles she held up all used straws. When I pointed that out to her, she's admitted the straw rule was pretty stupid and really up to the individual. Just don't suck air. You'll be fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newmebithebypass 713 Posted January 19, 2016 my practice has us all buy a camalbak Water bottle with a bitevalve and it makes sure you dont suck in air when drinking its awesome Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shellyd67 198 Posted January 19, 2016 I'm 5 months post op and haven't used a straw. I do miss using one though ???????????? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamieLogical 8,723 Posted January 19, 2016 As long as you aren't sucking in a bunch of air with your straw, you should be fine. I typically do not use them, but have had a few times when a restaurant served me some Water with a straw in it and I just used it without thinking. I didn't have any ill effects. I know a lot of people find it easier to get all their water in if they use a straw. I think if the choice is between "risking" using a straw or not getting all your fluids in, the decision is pretty easy! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Djmohr 6,965 Posted January 19, 2016 I use a straw everyday. The big issue is that you are careful not to suck air. It hurts like hell when you get a burp stuck so you will do it once and never do it again. Even now after 16 months post op, if I have a burp it hurts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Catmom4 149 Posted January 20, 2016 I've been using straws since the day I had surgery. My surgeon actually recommended it. Says we take smaller sips with straws. I've had no problems at all. I was sleeved 12/17/15. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ready4therealme 41 Posted January 20, 2016 My dr. told me I could drink from a straw from the beginning. and if it wasn't for that I don't think I could get all my Water in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cindyw41 761 Posted January 20, 2016 My dr and Nut said no straw...that lasted 3 days. Haven't looked back Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daisee68 2,493 Posted January 20, 2016 I was going to say that you will get a myriad of responses on this. To be honest, I have used one quite often (7 1/2 months post-op). I did ask my NUT this question just yesterday and her response is that straws (as well as carbonation) should be avoided long term as the air it can introduce in to your pouch can eventually stretch the pouch. Now I had bypass not sleeve and the rules are often different. Additionally there are a lot of folks that say the pouch cannot be stretched. So, in summary, there isn't a clear answer. You can always avoid it to err on the safe side but don't panic if you have or need to use one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites