I've read different comments on here wrt the straw thing. Does it help or hurt (ie. the gas).....is it only an issue directly post-op or is it an issue forever for bandsters??

Personally, I like straws (and not just for the bubble blowing aspsect...which I mostly do to irritate my husband!! lol)....but if I shouldn't use them, I won't. I just need a more definitive response!!

btw: only 8 more sleeps!!! (egads)

Hehe, I always love to see people counting things in sleeps. We used to do that when I was a kid :Banane04:.

The straw thing kind of depends on the person. For some people, they take in more air when they use a straw, so it is not advised, but for others (like me) they take in less air with a straw.

I guess you just gotta see? But see what your doctor says also..

I came down firmly on the side of the straw. It helped me to sip and not gulp my protein drinks after surgery. I guess "your milage may vary" applies here...so if you think a straw might be nice, give it a try!

I've tried it both ways... I think the straw helps me, but my nutritionist was SO against it that I'm trying to do without. My surgeon is more laid back. He smiled & said, "Whatever works for you!"

I use a straw all hte time.

I've tried it both ways... I think the straw helps me, but my nutritionist was SO against it that I'm trying to do without. My surgeon is more laid back. He smiled & said, "Whatever works for you!"

As far as I know, straws have no nutrital impact, unless you are eating them, and then I suppose they count as roughage....

I prefer straws, they are more fun, and I swallow less air with them.

And plus, when I'm out with my son, I can blow into them, making that cool low whistle noise and everyone thinks it's my son.... :bandit And have you tried to blow bubbles in milk without a straw? Such a mess!

I prefer a straw, the bendy kind in bright colors. I also love to shoot straw paper at whom ever happens to be sitting across from me at meals. My family will take the paper off of a straw before giving it to me to prevent me from "attacking them" I have even reloaded and reshot a few times. Pass the straws please~Mandy

My family will take the paper off of a straw before giving it to me to prevent me from "attacking them" I have even reloaded and reshot a few times. Pass the straws please~Mandy

Ok, now that is just funny. Oh the mental images I have!!!!!

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!

I used straws in the very early stages post-op. But than after about a month I simply graduated to no straw.

Favorite straw game: adding liquid to the wrinkled paper from off the straw & making it grow & move like a worm:0)

i use a straw on a daily bases

My doctor and his team of "experts" are strictly against straw usage. Their theory is that you drink too much, too fast and swallow too much air.

In my experience, with my body, I sip smaller amounts and swallow less air. Straws help me to get my liquids in because I'm more apt to actually drink versus drinking from a cup or a bottle. (I have been forced to lie to the doctor and his nurse about my practice because they believe otherwise)

I think that everyone is different and something you have to either know about yourself and your own usage techniques regarding the straw. If you know that you suck down large amounts with the aid of a straw, including large amounts of air..........I wouldn't use one. But, if your technique is different and you can or do drink small sips and swallow less air.........go for it.