I'm 5 weeks post band and was given the instructions to not use a straw. I imagine it's to avoid swallowing air but I'm not sure.

I go back the 29th for my first fill and will ask but until then....is it no straws forever? All my Water bottles have straws! Lol

Edited May 20, 201511 yr by kwcrnp

This is one of "those" topics! Some doctors say never, some say if you want, some say good idea!

I use one on occasion. Never had a problem.

I threw all my straw cups away didn't want to take any chances. The only time I use a straw is by accident meaning I'm out eating, running my mouth need a Lil liquid and realized I just drank through the straw. Nothing happened but again if I can not do it then good. My doctor didn't say not to but articles I have read say don't.

Thanks ladies! @Rose2014....I have seen the "no straws" but I'm much more compliant when I have a good rational for it! Haha

Edited May 20, 201511 yr by kwcrnp

@@kwcrnp I am not a doctor and will never tell anyone that they should not follow their doctor's advice. The following is just what * I* have been told.

Way back in 2006 when I was banded, people (professionals) were less certain about how to deal with the band and we were taught lots of things which we were later told had just been "just in case" guidelines, not in fact the absolute rules we were told they were. Never using a straw was one of those - I was told that in 2006, a few years later my doc told me advice had changed. Another like that was no carbonation. My doctor changed his advice about that around 2010.

my dr said no straws no carbonation, no gum. I paid him good money for his expertise. he has done thousands of lapbands. if he says stand on your head while eating or whatever,that's what I do. I have tried to be complaint and so far so good. I don't need to use a straw and I don't need gum and I don't need soda. I am happy to follow the rules. I have also rules for eating which I follow. so far I have not experienced any problems with my band and I want to keep it that way.

@@Sharpie that is 100% the right attitude! Way to go!

I agree @@Sharpie! I have followed all the rules as well....just curious on the rationale for the straw rule. Used a straw once, I was so nervous that I was going to cause harm that I couldn't finish the smoothie!

The 1st time after surgery I used a straw for 3 tiny sips of hubbys margarita. Everthing came back up in the restaurant bathroom and the parking lot, it was about as bad as you can imagine. I didn't use a straw again for a very long time, now I use one every morning in my homemade smoothie with no problems.

I've gone without using a straw, chewing gum and drinking soda for the last 10 months. I try to follow rules as closely as possible. TRY... listen to your doctor. old habits are hard to break. be strong.

I don't use straws ( I don't understand why this is a big deal to people!) but I forgot at a restaurant and drank a whole glass of water through a straw. Ugh! I had the worst gas of my life. Not worth it. Throw out your old water bottles and get some with a regular top or one of those sport tops. You deserve it anyway!