I looked up about using straws and saw there was a conversation but it was from 2011. Wanted to see what everyone thought now.

I was told not to use a straw because it increases the likelihood of swallowing air? I don't know..... it's not like the straw goes straight into my throat! Seems a little silly. Still, since I was instructed not to, I try to avoid it. Every now and then I will be served a glass of water with a straw in it when I'm out to eat and I will drink with the straw without even thinking about it and I've had no ill effects, so I don't think it's the end of the world if you do use a straw. I know a LOT of people on these forums have an easier time getting their liquids in if they do use a straw.

I avoided using a straw for the first 2 weeks or so following surgery. I now use one nearly daily as I find I tend to drink more and more often when sipping from a straw vice a cup or sports bottle. I have never experienced any ill side effects. I think it might be one of those things that varies with people and the only way to know is to try it. Note, I do just sip not gulp or take big swigs.

Edited May 6, 201511 yr by ShellMilliner

I didn't use one for about 3 months postop but I do now. I know I wouldn't get all of my fluids in without using one.

I started using one at 3 months with no problems.

I accidentally used one at two weeks and was shocked how fast I was able to drink a juice. Now I use straws for everything even at over a year and a half out. It massively increased my ability to consume fluids and still makes it far easier to drink now than without a straw.

I'm about 5 weeks out and a straw is the best way for me to get all my fluids down. Without it I really struggle.

I started with a straw at about 4 weeks out. I would not get all my fluids in if I didn't. I drink a lot more with a straw. I also have an hour drive each way to work. If I could not use a straw or a sports bottle with one then that would be an additional 2 hours a day that I could not drink. I have never had any problems. I do NOT slurp the last bit from the bottom with a straw. I make sure the straw is fully in the liquid. I figure I get more air in my Protein shakes from the blender than I do drinking Water from a straw.

I also have an hour drive each way to work. If I could not use a straw or a sports bottle with one then that would be an additional 2 hours a day that I could not drink.

I'm a little unclear on why one would NEED a straw to drink in the car. Not that it really matters, I'm just curious. I drink without a straw in the car every single day.....

My nut said as long as I have no gas I'm fine using a straw. I drink coffee thru a straw too.

I use straws everyday, especially when aiming to get in more fluids in the evenings. I've had no problems at all. Love them.

My plan allows for the use of straws after 4 weeks.

I just started using a straw yesterday and have found its easier to get my water/fluid in with a straw. I just make sure I'm not sucking up air at the bottom of a drink. Thanks everyone.

Thanks for the update. I definitely plan on using a straw shortly after my surgery date. I'm estimating anywhere from 1 to 3 months postop to start using a straw again. I couldn't imagine my life never using one.

I asked my surgeon and he said the only issues with straws is taking in too much in at one time. He also mentioned the possibility of gas but if you don't have gas issues, it's fine.

I have been using a straw since day one! My surgeon says it's fine and it helps me get my fluids in.