I am 5 days post-op of having the Lap-Band and I have a question. Can we drink out of a straw? I've read mixed information. I really like drinking out of a straw and have been avoiding them since surgery. Do they really cause gas? Once I heal and more time passes will it be ok then to drink from a straw? Thank you. Any information will be appreciated.

Edited July 9, 201412 yr by catlover602

I am seven days after gastric sleeve and was told never to use a straw as it lets too much air into your stomach.

My bottle of water at work has a straw and after I went back to work I started using it and started getting gas pains again so I stopped and it helped with the gas pains

I drink from a straw all the time. Especially if out in a restaurant. If you have gas pains after stop and try again after a few weeks months as you heal. Everyone is different.

The nutritionist I see says we should not use straws for at least 6 months. This gives you time to heal and prevents excess trapped gas (and pain). I think different Dr.s have different opinions about this as well.

Personally I have an in-law that has had the lap-band and she drinks from a straw all the time. She is a number of years post op though.

Edited July 9, 201412 yr by blacktxbelle

I am seven days after gastric sleeve and was told never to use a straw as it lets too much air into your stomach.

I have the band and was told the same thing. So it's 2 years and I don't miss the straw. Also using straws cause wrinkles around the mouth.

I have lap band and no straw was what they told me. Straws and carbonation were the only things they said were no no's.

Suggestion, don't use one until your next appt. and ask them.

my dr (as others above) said no straws for me also

i agree with colleen......call and ask your doctor and get their response

what works for someone may not work for you

PS: for best results, always follow what your doctor advises...

(even if someone else is doing the opposite).

congrats on surgery

I didn't use a straw for quite awhile after getting banded. Now I use them. I was worried about it at first, but it was explained to me, that it's more that they don't want us using them, when we first get banded (I believe). I don't have any problems using straws.

Several weeks after being banded , we went out for dinner fo the 1st time after surgery. I took 3 tiny bites of the inside of a quesidilla, 3 tiny sips of my hubbys margarita ( I forgot and used the straw ! ) Uh oh !!!!! Half came back up in the bathroom, half in the parking lot ! I dont know if it was the alcohol or the straw, but DON'T try a straw unless you're way out from surgery, and preferably home near a bathroom. Just sayin' .

Definitely talk to your doc/NP and do as they say. That is always the best advice and remember, YMMV, some people do well with straws post band, others, not so much. I am a straw sucking maniac. I was told by my medical team no straws until I was a month out from my surgery. Then it was okay. I have used straws since with no ill effects. If I get a bit of air trapped under my band, I have learned how to release it and I just have me a nice burp and onward.

Thanks guys. I will wait/ or not even attempt to use a straw. I've gotten use to not using one, so I'll be ok. thanks for responding.

I was told by my surgeon ,no straws,carbonation or gum either ,but I do sugar free mints , ice breakers I Will be 2 years post open in September as of June 2012, I gave up carbonation and straws .