My doc says not to use straws for the first 4 weeks... Is this only because of the gas? Could it cause harm? I'm finding it much easier to get my liquids in with straws, especially the protein shakes. I'm 1 week post-op by the way.

My Nut told me no straws to minimize the gas that leads to burping...

Would burping right after the surgery 'move' the band?

I am not sure ...

Listen to your doctor. When you use a straw you suck air into your stomach.

Wow I was told no straws forever. Said sucks air into stomach

Ohh.. I have been using straws.. .guess I should stop.

I was also told never to use straws because you will suck in too much air.

I was told never to use straws again !

I too was told no straws post-op. One day I stopped at Starbucks for an iced coffee -- straw included. Drank it without thinking, had no problems at all. I wouldn't advise it too early out post-op but maybe later on down the road.

I was told not to use a straw, also. And then while I was recovering from band surgery, the hospital brought me my Protein shakes -- WITH (you guessed it) a straw! I used them, found no negative side effects, and I've used straws periodically ever since. But I use them only to sip the drink, not to suck down a huge amount of liquid at once. I haven't noticed any additional gas by using one.

Once again, I think there are many ways to manage being banded. Follow your doctor's orders, but use your own common sense.

Dave

The straw ban is primarily for other weight loss surgeries, not so much for Lap Band.

My Dr. confirmed this, says that most Drs just apply blanket statements because they don't have as much experience with Lap Bands.

Straws will help a lot of people get more fluids in (especially if you have sensitive teeth). Sure you might get a bit more gas, but it will be minimal unless you're drinking carbonated beverages with that straw or dairy (both of which cause gas).

Drinking with a straw won't affect you, I drink everything with a straw - EVERYTHING - to keep staining off of my teeth. No issues at all. Even gulping with a straw.

You won't stretch your band or pouch. Air goes in - air comes out. One way or another.

My doctor never said no straws...but it depends on the day and how fickle my band is....straws can sometimes bother me and put too much pressure and make me feel like what I sucked in is stuck even if it is liquid. So generally, I don't use them...but I can use them more towards the afternoon or evening....too tight in a.m.

When drinking thru straws you tend to swallow more air = gas = possible pain. I drink thru straws & have since I came home from the hospital. My doctor did not recommend it but also told me that if I did not have any issues with the gas pain, feeling discomfort or bloated than go ahead and use a straw. For me the protein shakes were an aquired taste in the beginning and the only way I could get them down was using a straw. I use a straw for just about everything & do not have any issues.