I have no problems drinking from a straw. I doubt very much it can stretch my sleeve. So why can't we? Or why aren't we supposed to?

I was told to avoid them, but rebel that I am, I tried it and found no issues with straws. I really don't care one way other other if I have a straw or not. Carbonation, on the other hand, can make me uncomfortable so I avoid it. You'll find your way too.

In the classes they preached no straws. At my 2 week post op I asked my surgeon about it. He said the main thing with straws is some people tend to "drink" their calories and they may be taking in more than they realize. I explained to him that I can drink much more water throughout the day if I drink through a straw. He was totally fine with that. I only drink my water through a straw. No gas pains ever. Before using a straw I was struggling to get 60oz. Now with a straw I easily get 100oz.

post op my first drinks came with a straw and I'm currently drinking through one as I type. I'm not having any problem with taking in any air. Good luck!

@@LipstickLady OK, I'll tell you how horrible you are.... You are so horrible that after you told me a few months back you were drinking through a straw, so I figured if you did it, so could I. Now because I started drinking through a straw, I've been able to get in almost twice as much liquid as I was before when I wasn't using a straw.

YOU ARE SO HORRIBLE!!! Now you make me have to pee twice as much.... LMAO!!!

I've got mad straw drinking skilllllllzzzz, yo. I can actually breathe out through my nose while sipping through a straw. I get much less air in this way than sipping Water directly from a glass.

That said, air won't stretch a sleeve. It will fill you up, make you burp, possibly cause discomfort, but it won't STRETCH your sleeve.

lol..well..i took the plunge on a straw! Lol..i blow thru it first slightly (bubbles!!!) then drink..lol..i did find out i do drink more! Yea I'm rebel at heart sometimes..had no issues but I've got the fear of my surgeon mental block on the carbonation.,! I miss drinking the watch a ma call it!! Yea those zero drinks! For the life of me can't think of it..flavored carbonation water..! ????

I'm 36 yrs old and had lap-band surgery on 6/11/03 at 242 and now weigh 230 -- I am taste those 220's. I'm married with 2 girls and have been wanting to lose weight for the last 15 years - well I have lost and gained and lost and gained...you know the routine. I love the NEW ME and can't wait to get my first fill on 8/13 as I have not much restriction now.

GOOD LUCK to everyone that has been banded or thinking to be banded or about to be banded. I don't regret this for one moment

Barbara S

6/11/03

Dr Carter

lol!!!

I think it's a "gateway" tool. First one starts with a straw in water. Later they accidentally put the straw in a glass of juice, and think "oh my that's yummy, a little won't hurt me". Before you know it, juice makes a person feel pretty fancy and they start thinking, "hey, how about a little umbrella with a delicious piece of fruit". Next thing you know their having Mai Tai on the beach in some third world country without their passport, thinking if "I had just listened ..."

Yes I was told it could cause extra air/gas which can be uncomfortable, but nothing was said stretching the stomach.

I am almost 1 year out (4/6/2014) and I still have not attempted a straw. Pre surgery, I drank everything thru a straw. It was a hard adjustment, but now, I am used to it. Don't even think about it anymore.

The extra air thing I don't think is true if your conscious about HOW you drink. The air would only be excess at the bottom of the cup slurping the last of the drink. As far as carbonation, it won't stretch the stomach but it is very much a concern of becoming addiction. Soda isn't good out of moderation and most people form an "addiction" and drink too much soda not enough water. This will cause dehydration and can cause weight gain. This is where the main concern is.

Its the "ICE" brand water i miss..their fizzy. When i see my surgeon I'm going to ask him one on one i just no what his protocol diet suggestions have worked and not worked for his pts..