Hey All,

I just did some research on the topic of using a straw after WLS. Checking on this board and a few others it seems like a controversial issue. I was told at my preop appointment not to use one after surgery. With all the trouble I'm having getting the Protein shakes in, I thought I'd try to figure out why.

It appears the concern is with air, some people draw a lot of air in with a straw. I went ahead and tried one this morning with my carnation Breakfast shake and it seems to make things a lot easier. Anyone have any opinions on this? I'd love to hear what others have heard from their doctors and nutritionists.

Thanks,

Mike

I was told not to use a straw also... but I use one everytime I drink. Helps me get in my liquids or I would NEVER get 60+ ounces down a day! I haven't seen any problems with using them and I am almost 3 months out.

Hey All,

I just did some research on the topic of using a straw after WLS. Checking on this board and a few others it seems like a controversial issue. I was told at my preop appointment not to use one after surgery. With all the trouble I'm having getting the Protein shakes in, I thought I'd try to figure out why.

It appears the concern is with air, some people draw a lot of air in with a straw. I went ahead and tried one this morning with my carnation breakfast shake and it seems to make things a lot easier. Anyone have any opinions on this? I'd love to hear what others have heard from their doctors and nutritionists.

Thanks,

Mike

I say try it and see what works for you. I was given one with every single 'meal' in hospital post op... meals being liquids only for the first couple of weeks!

The PA told us during our pre-op teaching that if we wanted to use a straw, we could as it does help some people, while others it doesn't. They don't have a particular recommendation on it.

The PA told us during our pre-op teaching that if we wanted to use a straw, we could as it does help some people, while others it doesn't. They don't have a particular recommendation on it.

That's nice to hear

I used a straw today 3 times without a problem. I will certainly be asking about it on my 1 week follow up but it seems to help a lot.

I used straws with my lap band and I use straws now with my sleeve. It does not affect me one way or another. I was not given any advice either way from my surgeon, in fact I was given the use of straws while I was in the hospital.