Question-I have not used a straw since being banded because I was told not to but on my blog today someone said they never heard that rule before........do you guys drink out of straws?

My doctor told me the same thing not to use a straw. I've seen alot of different things on here my doctor said "No no" but others our doing it. I don't get it either but I have been deligent in following my doctors instructions.

I was told not to as well. Straws draw additional air in and can cause that awful "pain-in-the-shoulder" thing from gas.

I've used them on occasion mainly because I've read on these sites about not using them. I am careful to drink slowly through them as I don't want to suck down too much air but I haven't felt any negative effects from using them.

Not only do they say not to use them because of air, but the amount you drink is more and that could stretch your stomach out. The same goes for carbonated drinks, they cause your stomach to expand because of air. If you do use straws or drink a carbonated beverage, use moderation, don't do it everyday. I noticed when I was first banded that carbonated bevs caused painful gas build up. Now that I need a fill, not so much. Also, my Dr said something about the excess air and burping could potentially cause band slippage.

Moral of the story, I don't use straws, I have maybe one or two carbonated bevs a week ( I love an ice cold beer now and then) and I listen to my Dr. (Don't tell her I am drinking empty calories PLEASE)

I have had my lapband for almost 4 years. It has not only been life changing but also life altering. I don't know how to think thin and I am still struggling with the desire to eat more than I should or even want. I mean to be honest I don't recognize full anymore than I recognize true hunger. For the most part I have been successful but the battle isn't over - I don't think the war ever really is. I had lost almost 100 pounds but recently have put 20 pounds back on. I am really having a hard time physically and emotionally with this set back. Nevertheless, after this recent fill (I previously had to have all the fluid taken out of my band because I got a really bad stomach flu and I was also facing sinus surgery; hence, no fluid for several months!) I have been struggling with throwing up and a lot of air in my band. The air is so uncomfortable that I find myself throwing up in an attempt to relieve some of the pressure. Any ideas - has anyone ever had this problem before? I don't have a lot of fluid in my band but I am concerned.

I use a straw nearly every day. It doesn't cause me any problems. My dr says the recommendation to not use straws is because it can cause people discomfort but it's ok if I use one.

I tried to go without straws...I didn't realize how often I used a straw until I was trying to avoid them after surgery LOL!

My doctor is fine with using straws .. i use a thin straw tho

im not banded yet ..but that was one of the first things they told me NO STRAW after the surgery ....

On the way home I was listening to John Tesh and he said , people shouldn't use straws because it causes the skin around the mouth to stretch when you pucker, and as we age it will be more visible...and look more aged...

lol..... i guess thats a good enough reason ....

Question-I have not used a straw since being banded because I was told not to but on my blog today someone said they never heard that rule before........do you guys drink out of straws?

The dietician told me not to use a straw.

I didn't use a straw at first...from what I heard here about not doing it! But to be honest I don't even remember my doctor telling me not to...or the dietitian...The only time I do drink out of one is when I get an iced coffee...and that isn't every day. And I definitely don't drink carbonated beverages. But I do take my time and drink slowly ..because I always have even before the band..and I have not had any problems at all with it.