I was just wondering how long we have to avoid drinking out of straws? Not a huge issue, but it would make it easier to drink protein shakes if I could use a straw ???? I am almost 3 weeks out from surgery. My diet is mostly protein shakes, Greek yogurts, and clear broth with added unflavored protein at this point.

Different doctors have different rules, but mine said that was a permanent thing.

Mine too! He said it puts too much air in your tiny tummy plus it makes you drink quicker which adds more unwanted calories! I miss straws terribly!

RATS!! Oh well, guess it's just another lifelong change I have to make! Thanks for input.

I use straws every day. I am typically a rule follower, but in this instance, I find it much easier to get in my Water with a straw. Wait until your sleeve is healed (about 3 months) and give it a try. If it bothers you, or you find it fills your tummy with air, don't do it. I have met many people who also have no problems with straws.

I gave up straws no problem. What I'm struggling with is the warm weather in the sunny Bay Area and getting hydrated after exercise. I'm trying to get in as much exercise as possible, try to walk 1.5-2 miles daily at a rapid pace. But it's hard to drink during the walks and I'm extremely thirsty after. "Something to do with the sweating I'm sure" but my sleeve fills up with water before I get close to being sated. Then it's a choice between continuing to hydrate and eating meals. Anyone else have this issue?

I have been using straws since 3 weeks out with my surgeon and NUT's ok . Over 15 months now and my stomach has not expanded, exploded or imploded.

Yes, every surgeon has different rules. I think we need to use our own common sense. We all had the same surgery. While it should be the same for everyone, keep in mind that our surgeons go by first of all, medical fact, that in which they know to be true, secondly, medical opinion. Third, serving the lowest common denominator and lastly, covering their asses.

For me, I get in so much more Water each day with a straw than without.

The only rule I won't test is the carbonation. Lots of folks have it but I'm not going to test it. It's not that important to me.

Good luck and I'm sure you will love your sleeve!

I started using straws at 5 weeks (yes, I asked both the doctor and NUT first. It was in relation to wearing a Camelback while biking, but the bite-valve tubing is straw-like). Both of them said "try it and see", and sip slowly and mindfully. It didn't bother me, and I started using a straw fairly regularly at home (I have a plastic Starbucks cup with plastic straw that I use for my water). I have a pair of cats, so something with a lid is essential.

I asked my nut at my 6 week post op....she said straws were find as long as I wasn't having any gas issues, which I haven't. I've used a straw since then.

I have been using straws just fine and I am one month out. It helps me get my Water in.

No problems with straws for me also. My surgeon said to give if a try and if it didn't bother me, to use them. No problems in 6.5 months and I use them daily.