I know straws are a no-no, but I've seen some people mention using camelbacks without the straw. This seems really sensible, since you have to bite it and can only get a small sip at a time. Does anyone use these, and are they okay without sucking on the straw?

Eeeeeeeewwwww....the thought of those creep me out. I've heard its hard to really flush out the lines really well, and you end up with nasty stuff in 'em. Does the tank come out for cleaning? That would be MY issue with one of those. I'm a bacteria freak (not quite a 'phobe, but getting there)...

Other than that...I do use straws in my protein drinks and water in restaurants that I only drink before the meal. I'm a sipper though. I take the liquid in, and let it sit in my mouth a second or two before I swallow it, so there's really no air going down. I suppose if you drink and drink and drink all at once through a straw you'd get air, but not the way I do it.

(Disclaimer- don't use a straw if your doc told you not to! I'm being a rebel )

I'm talking about the bottles, not the backpack sleeve thingy. They work with the straw inside removed, then you are just sort of biting the water out. You have a really good point. I don't think you can possibly suck much air in if you are just doing little sips. I'm sure we are all in the habit of guzzling with straws and they are concerned we'll continue. To me, they seem like a really handy way to control the sips and measure the volume.

I'm talking about the bottles, not the backpack sleeve thingy. They work with the straw inside removed, then you are just sort of biting the Water out. You have a really good point. I don't think you can possibly suck much air in if you are just doing little sips. I'm sure we are all in the habit of guzzling with straws and they are concerned we'll continue. To me, they seem like a really handy way to control the sips and measure the volume.

OOOOooohhhhhh I didn't know they made bottles too! I seeeeee. I don't know why that wouldn't work!

I have two of these and used them post op with no problem. I would keep one in my lap all day long so I'd never forget to keep sipping while healing.

If you don't have one, the straw cleaning brushes you can find online are a big help. I love mine! Oh, and if you ever need them it's possible to get replacement straws and tips, too.

~Cheri

They also have cleaning tablets. We use these for the bags. My son is a mountain biker and sometimes puts vitamin water in it, and then forgets about it for a few days- gross, but the tablets totally clean it out. You can also replace the sipper tips and the bottles are dishwasher safe. I am pre-op, and love love love my bottle. I do hope I can use it post op!

I know every Dr. Is different, my Dr and Nut stated it was ok to use a straw. Especially when those wonderful protein drinks do not smell as well as they should postop. It's easier to get the protein in with a lid and straw.