I am one month post op and was wondering if you can drink with a straw? In my stay at the hospital they said no straws but forgot to ask if this was just while recovering or forever?

The no-straw rule is basically there because straws tend to introduce additional air/gas while drinking. This can cause additional discomfort. Some doctors subscribe to this rule and others do not

I think it's most relavent while you are recovering from surgery. But, since everyone is a little different, you should try to use it a couple of times. If you don't experience discomfort as a result....go to town.

I don't happen to have any problems as a result of using straws. But I am only 2 months post-op and only had one fill. This may change over time.

The no-straw rule is basically there because straws tend to introduce additional air/gas while drinking. This can cause additional discomfort. Some doctors subscribe to this rule and others do not

I think it's most relavent while you are recovering from surgery. But, since everyone is a little different, you should try to use it a couple of times. If you don't experience discomfort as a result....go to town.

I don't happen to have any problems as a result of using straws. But I am only 2 months post-op and only had one fill. This may change over time.

Thank you for your response. I haven't tried it yet but will do so and see what happens. Congratulations on your weight loss, that is great. I'm down 16 lbs with no fills yet. I"m feeling a bit down today because I have no restriction and can seem to eat anything. I feel like this was all a waste of time. I've been working my but off and feel like I could've done this without the surgery. I do have an appt Friday and I'm hoping to get a fill. But hey, as long as I'm not gaining, right? I know it's only the beginning. But you've done such a great job, keep up the good work.

Drinking through a straw is different for everybody. Some can't do it at all, some have no problem. I have found that the tighter my band gets, the more discomfort I experience. Try it but don't try to drink to fast with a straw. Some people tend to drink much faster which in turn creates more bubbles. Good luck and congrats on the start of your journey. If you have some time come visit the website I write for. It's a free online community driven toward inspring people toward a healthier and happier quality of life.The link is posted in my signature. Feel free to add me if you have any other questions. Keep us posted

I use a straw every day, in my car when I have a ready-to-drink Protein shake on my way to work. I don't want to risk spilling it on myself, and a straw makes it pretty easy to avoid a mess. I've had no problems doing this since I was banded last December. I have 9.2cc in a 14cc band, I have good restriction, and minimal excess gas.

As was mentioned, everyone has a different experience. You'll have to see what works best for you.

Dave

Thank you all for replying. I've tried it and feel just a tiny bit of tummy ache. I have continued drinking from a straw and it's tolerable. I haven't had my first fill yet so this may change.

I drink from a straw every now and then, simply because 1) I've used one all my life and 2) it prevents me from wearing my drink.....hard habit to break!!

While I did good in the first 6 weeks post-op, after that I've used a straw more and more, but what I do to help eliminate excess air going into my mouth is to bite down on the straw while I sip.....works for me and so far no problems....

I drink with a straw if I get an iced coffee when I'm out of the house. I haven't noticed any difference my, ahem, air bubbles... but I was also told straws are a no-no by my surgeon.

Straws are a permanenf no no from my dr. I havent tried one post banding.

J

Thank you for your response. I haven't tried it yet but will do so and see what happens. Congratulations on your weight loss, that is great. I'm down 16 lbs with no fills yet. I"m feeling a bit down today because I have no restriction and can seem to eat anything. I feel like this was all a waste of time. I've been working my but off and feel like I could've done this without the surgery. I do have an appt Friday and I'm hoping to get a fill. But hey, as long as I'm not gaining, right? I know it's only the beginning. But you've done such a great job, keep up the good work.

3-M, I so hear you about being able to eat anything! I am over 4 months out and still feel that way (2 fills). Guess it's part of the process to get us to rely on our old methods of losing (I count calories), but thanks to lap band info, I now also make sure I consume at least 80 grams Protein a day. I really think the protein is what is making the difference from other diets I have been on. I go to the dr. on Monday and I hope my 3rd fill finally helps me to feel full (the new "full", ie., satisfied) with less quantity! This is still the best thing I have done for myself, ever! So something about the band IS helping. Good luck to you.

Dont get discouraged for not losing weight while you havent had a fill, its called Bandster Hell because you have the tool you need but cant start using it yet! Dont worry you will get through it! Believe me when i say it could be worse the two doctors i have wouldnt do a fill until after 90 days! I was so frustrated!