I couldn't drink out of a straw early on, but for the last few months I have zero issue drinking out of straw. It definitely helps me get in my fluids. I didn't have any restrictions on straws, but early on for me, it caused discomfort.

I am in week 4 and I am using a water bottle that does not tip because it has a built in straw. I swish it around a bit before swalling but use it exclusively.

My nutritionist's rule was not to use straws. For the first month I followed that, but my water bottle also has a built in straw and I LOVE it. I started using it my second or third month post-op.

so now that i am three 1/2 months out i could try using a straw? i think that would help alot to get in all of my liquids. thanks guys. i love talking to you tiffy and deedee. you guys have alot of good info.

Try it and see. The worse it could do at this point is probably make ya cramp a little bit, then you'll either burp and toot, and it'll pass. Check out these: I have one, and I don't get any air in my sleeve using this one. You literally bite the little plastic thing open, sip just a bit, and the water comes up the straw. No tilting, no sucking hard. I think you could probably find them at Wal-Mart in the sporting goods department or on amazon.com from this link. I paid almost 18 bucks for mine on base at our mini military mall.

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-BPA-Free-Better-Bottle-Valve/dp/B0019DCD6Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1268967184&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: CamelBak BPA-Free Better Bottle with Bite Valve: Sports & Outdoors[/ame]