I was told we are NEVER allowed to drink from a straw again. I haven't been out to dinner/take out food since my surgery but wonder, I hate drinking from the cups that come fwith a lid (paper/styrofoam) and really don't want to put my lips on the cups at restaurants.

Does anyone have any solutions to this rule?

This is to avoid excess air in your stomach when you swallow, but even drinking normally allows air during swallowing.

Many people are able to use a straw or prefer to use a straw to make drinking easier.

Sometimes I prefer a straw, like when I make my Protein frappacinos and I have no problem whatsoever.

And yes, I drink caffeinated coffee too. My bad?

I was told not to drink during meals but to leave a 30 minute time frame between liquids and solids. I always order a glass of water just in case I would get something stuck in my throat or something weird like that. I haven't used a straw but I haven't needed the water during any of my dining experiences.

i use straw all the time, i too dont like drinking out of cup. my surgery was 420 but i waited about a month before i started using straw. But everyone is diff try it and if you dont feel discomfort youll be ok.

I'm two weeks out and went shopping with my kids this week. We stopped for something to drink and one of my girls got Arby's green peach tea no calories (yummy btw). Anyway, without thinking I drank some out of the straw. Couldn't figure out why mt stomach hurt so bad. We shopped for awhile, went back out to the car and I had a little more. Again I couldn't figure out why it upset my stomach. Then it dawned on me. I just had to burp a couple of times to get rid of the air. Lol.

My doctor said no straws for six months. If I were you, I'd at least try it, just a sip and see how you feel.

I was told no straw for the first 3 months. I have used one everyday since with no problems.

When I was given water in hospital after my op it was given to me with a straw. I have not had any problems drinking with a straw since.

I drink with straws if I am out at a restaurant but it's minimal because I don't drink a lot with my meals....

I was told by bariatric nurse never to use a straw. She is also a bypass patient herself (several years ago). We were out to dinner with our WLS support group. I noticed that everyone who was six months or more post surgery, including her, were using straws! I do not typically use a straw, even in restaurants right now (10 weeks out) but I will use one once in a while, like drinking cup of ice water or unsweet iced tea from the drive through in the car. It's a little too inconvenient and messy to drink without a lid. (ask me how I know) I have not had any problems.

I was NOT told not to use a straw. I've only heard of that rule on this forum so I paid it no mind. In fact, I used a straw day 3 post op and I've continued using a straw every morning when I drink my shakes/smoothies. I haven't had any problems so I don't really understand the logic in "straws possibly causing air pockets in your stomach". Myth to me. But to each its own!

I was told that I could never use a straw again but found out that at 8 months out I used a straw with no problems at all. In restaurants, I might take a few sips of water but nothing more. I was actually able to get more water in when I used a straw.

I just had my final pre-op class and this came up. As with many things post-op, each person will differ. She said try a straw, if it makes you have excess gas then don't use it. Simple.

Thank you all for your input I did accidently drink from a straw (2 sips) one day while shopping at Sam's with my kids and my daughter (who's 9) made me feel like I was in trouble and being sent to my room when I got home. I burp frequently even when I drink/eat regularly. I think I'll wait til I'm at least 10 weeks out, I'm a little over 4 weeks.

My doctor told me to wait 6 months out to use a straw so, I've tried to stick with this rule. I did accidently drink from a straw after picking up a passion tea from Starbucks, and my boyfriend was quick to point it out. I went, "Oh, crap." I started drinking from the cup regular, and a few moments later got that familar air in the chest feeling, and after a burp felt fine again. So, I guess I'm going to be one of those folks that needs to wait a little longer. But, I sure do miss my straws!

good grief that's ridiculous. I have used a straw every single day since 2 weeks out.

This has come up a lot before and I say IMHO that the "no straw" rule is total BS. The fact is that when you suck on a straw you suck the Fluid up the straw and into your mouth where you typically exhale through your nose and minimize the air in the liquid and then swallow, so I would say there is LESS chance of getting more air with a straw then with drinking with a regular cup. If you chug the liquid through a straw then MAYBE it's not for you.

Do what you want, I started out drinking through straws and have been for the almost 2 years post-op with no issues.