Is it true that I never will be able to drink from a straw again? I find it easier to sip drinks if I use a straw. But am afraid since I had my surgery.

That's a good question. Wish I had an answer. I figured out that is the biggest difference between me getting in plenty of Water pre-op vs. post-op. I always drank out of a straw.

Maybe someone will have some insight on this topic. I hope.

My office encouraged the use of straws. Some don't. It won't hurt you to try it out and see how it works for you.

My office says strictly no use of straws ever because it encourages air to get trapped in the stomach leading to bloating pain

I was told no straws for 3 months. I still drink from straws. I drink more water that way!

I just started drinking from a straw only because my neck is in a collar and I am not supposed to bend it. I have not noticed any difference in bloating or extra gas in my tummy. I believe it was in the beginning they did not want me to use one.

My NUT says no straw too, but I confess I have used one and haven't seen any marked difference in "air" getting in. Just have to take very small sips if you do and don't gulp (that goes for using straw or not! )

I have been using straws occasionally without issue. I think the docs are worried you could take in too much liquid at once but it just takes a little practice. I'm only at 3 weeks postop and all is well.

I think they mean that at first... but then, some i think find that it is easier to quickly ingest calories through a straw. It takes more time to sip it out of a glass or Water bottle... etc. I do use a straw. I was told no at first. I think another reason is, if you are like I was... it was SO EASY to buy a Route 44 Sonic cup and drink it... out of habit. We are trying to retrain ourselves to NOT go back into our old habits. Just my two cents.

i love straws, but i also sip more with a sports cap

I only want to drink Water from it. I stopped diet sodas months before surgery. I don't plan on going back at this point.

I"m fine with other drinks without a straw. I see my NUT next week, I'll hold off until then and ask what she thinks, then make a decision. I just know I can get more water in me if I drink through a straw.

I was told to have a straw burning party before my surgery. I actually use them quite a bit, and have never had any negative side effects. I'm sure everyone is different.

Also, I was told that it cause more air to get into your pouch causing gas and pains?

My dr and RN says its dependent on the person. As we know every person deals with different reactions. I love drinking from straws so I will be testing it after surgery (I'll wait a month though).

I was also told no and broke myself of using them pre surgery and post surgery. About a month ago I started using them again. I went to my 3 month check up this week and told my NUT that I gave in and took back my straw but my fluid intake doubled with it. He explained the risk of air can stretch lower attachment of pouch, I told him I do not gulp with the straw I take a drink and hold in my mouth making sure that air does not go into the pouch and have trained myself to drink that way with it. So he let it go and knows I am using it daily now

I use a straw occasionally. I don't have any problems. My surgeon never made a big deal out of it