What is the best practice for drinking your liquids? Through a straw or sip from a cup?

This is so crazy! I was told absolutely no straws by the nutritionist in the office because the extra air would cause my pouch to stretch out ... it's been the hardest thing for me to stick to! I have an appointment tomorrow morning and I'm going to ask again ...

skkcs....Please let me know the results after your appointment. Thanks

I use a straw all day every day. Not sure what the big deal is. If you aren't drinking carbonation, which I never do, it shouldn't be an issue. But I can also chug water like it's nothing, maybe my band is looser than others on here.

I never thought about that as far as the carbonation. Thanks

skkcs....Please let me know the results after your appointment. Thanks

Hello!

So I just got back from my appointment and this was their "official" answer:

You should not drink from a straw because you swallow extra air and that can result in any or all of the following:

1. It can cause gas

2. It can cause discomfort/bloating

3. Over time it can cause the upper "pouch" to expand and you want to "keep it tight"

I think I am going to not use straws as a general rule, but won't panic if I'm out at a restaraunt and use one occasionally ... Hope that helps!

Also, something that might help us "straw addicts" - I started using a CamelBack water bottle which is like drinking from a straw, but since there is no air, it eliminates the problems above. My doctor said that should work just fine ...

And last, but not least ... I am OFFICIALLY in the 100's!! (199.6 but I choose not to round up!) : ) HURRAY!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INFORMATION!!

I asked about using a straw yesterday when I met with my surgeon's NP. She said straws work well for some people but for others, too much liquid is consumed at one time.

This evening, when I was reading my Lap-Band System Surgical Information Kit, I noticed a photo of a pink shake with a straw in Book One, which is devoted to "Adjusting to the LAP-BAND System the first few weeks after surgery."

Thank you!!

Hello!

So I just got back from my appointment and this was their "official" answer:

You should not drink from a straw because you swallow extra air and that can result in any or all of the following:

1. It can cause gas

2. It can cause discomfort/bloating

3. Over time it can cause the upper "pouch" to expand and you want to "keep it tight"

I think I am going to not use straws as a general rule, but won't panic if I'm out at a restaraunt and use one occasionally ... Hope that helps!

Also, something that might help us "straw addicts" - I started using a CamelBack water bottle which is like drinking from a straw, but since there is no air, it eliminates the problems above. My doctor said that should work just fine ...

And last, but not least ... I am OFFICIALLY in the 100's!! (199.6 but I choose not to round up!) : ) HURRAY!!

CONGRATS ON BEING IN THE 100'S, I CANT WAIT TIL I'M THERE!!!

You should not drink from a straw because you swallow extra air and that can result in any or all of the following:

1. It can cause gas

2. It can cause discomfort/bloating

3. Over time it can cause the upper "pouch" to expand and you want to "keep it tight"

Thanks for posting this information. I will learn to sip without a straw; I am not knowingly going to do anything that might expand my pouch.

And last, but not least ... I am OFFICIALLY in the 100's!! (199.6 but I choose not to round up!) : ) HURRAY!!

Yay for you!