No Straw Ever!

[Rootman 1,101]

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.

[O.T.R. sleever 3,386]

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' date=' 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.[/quote']

It's more about head position. When you're drinking with a straw you are typically looking down with the Fluid near your lips & air near the back of the throat. Hence through the sucking motion and forcing liquid up to your throat it mixes with air before swallowed.

Conversely when you drink without a straw you tilt your head back the liquid is pulled to the rear of your mouth by gravity & not churned with a sucking motion.

Not that I believe it really matters. I've done both & had no consequences other than a little burp or 2.

[lollyfidy1965 402]

My program is a "no straw" program. It isn't an issue for me, when going out, because I don't drink for 30 minutes before or after a meal (I don't even bother getting a glass of Water with a meal). I typically take a bottle of my own water with me where ever I go...even into restaurants...and no one has ever said a word to me about it.

[Mommydearest74 5]

Yes it's true no straws BUT everyone is different I am 7 weeks in down 32 lbs and from the beginning right after my surgery that was the only way I could get my fluids was with a straw without any discomfort. I tried sipping BUT that made me swallow so much air hurt my stomach something awfull. take it slow listen 2 your body. Like I said everyone is different but in the end always listen 2 your body.

[Go Kart Mozart 44]

I drink carbonated drinks at meals through a straw. That's like a trifecta of no-nos. I think a lot of these rules don't necessarily apply to us.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

I drink out of my camelbak all the time. It's much bigger than any restaurant straw. I'm just careful not to swallow a bunch of air.

[ArtSong 291]

I found this at Walmart it's 14oz what about this?

[NtvTxn 1,262]

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?

I started using a straw at two weeks out. I never have any more air in my tummy.....I never had a problem and I am able to drink more using a straw. It was a win/win for me! I followed rules, but I poo poo'd this. I guess had I started having pain, I'd have stopped!!

[NtvTxn 1,262]

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.

My doctor said to stop drinking just prior to eating and then wait for 30 minutes. I always order water with lemon before eating and challenge myself to get the entire glass down before I eat. I seldom drink water at home, so I need to drink as much as possible out. I drink tea and coffee at home.

[Lloydthumper 70]

What about a squeeze bottle like they use in boxing has a straw but the liquid is pushed not sucked into the mouth?

[Butterthebean 8,146]

I drink through bicycle bottles all the time. If you squeeze it air will get pushed into your mouth. The trick is just don't swallow the air. No problem.

[Wheetsin 714]

You might want to search for "straw" or "straw use" or something like that. This has come up very frequently. The best thing I can say is follow surgeon's orders.

That being said, there's really no rationale for not using a straw. Many, many (possibly most) people find they drink better/easier/more with a straw.

I know the reasons they give for not using them, but they just don't seem to hold up once you really look at the mechanics of what they say is happening. I think there's a straw "bandwagon" among VSG offices. Lots of bandwagons... definitely a straw bandwagon.

[Tammy310 43]

I have a host of other health issues and years ago my gastro doc told me no straws and no gum. (I can't burp ~ strange but true). Regardless, in regard to the styrofoam and take out cups I just tear a little notch on one side of the lid and drink from that. (Looks kind of like coffee lids do when you lift the notch) This way, no straw and I can go to movies, etc. without worry of what cup I'm getting and I don't have to remove the lid to drink.

[RawrrAshleex3 137]

I drink carbonated drinks at meals through a straw. That's like a trifecta of no-nos. I think a lot of these rules don't necessarily apply to us.

How far out are you?

[mylifeinpink 350]

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

I wish all were that logical! Love it!