I know immediately after surgery we are not to drink through straws. (Who the hell wants that added pain, right?) But, can you eventually use a straw? I have heard conflicting things on this. I try to stay away as much as possible, but I have used a straw once in awhile.

I drink through a straw often.

You'll find that there are very few absolutes with the band. Different doctors give different counsel and different bandsters have different reactions, but you'll find what works for you. If you want to drink through a straw, you'll be able to. If you find it makes you swallow too much air (which I find doubtful), it'll make you uncomfortable and you won't want to anymore. No biggie, right?

I didn't know we couldn't,lol I have been doing it since day 1 I guess. I don't have any problem with it, as far as I know. Just shows the difference in doctors I guess, if he told me I must have missed it. I asked my husband, he has been with me at every appointment and he didnt remember either but he thinks I am full of hot air but I was before surgery,lol.

Didn't know I wasnt supposed to... but my doc is very lenient.......

I can even have dt dr pepper and coffee...........

I've never had a problem drinking from a straw. Sorry, but in restaurants, I'm not about to put my mouth on the rim of a cup! Ugh!

I drink through a straw perfectly. No problems here.

So far straws have been no problem. I am about 2 weeks out now. I eat mushy (or semi mushy) solids and have had no problems. No pbs, no vomits, no slime, nothing. It's been a dream, I just eat less, mostly the same foods. But thats what I always planned. No diets for me :confused: (I always ate pretty healthy just a TON of food)

I was brought apple juice with a lid and straw in the recovery room..... My band didn't pop open or malfunction. I didn't have bad gas pain until it landed in my shoulder 3 days later. (same reaction with gall bladder and gyno sugery) I use a straw all the time, no problemo...~Mandy

I Have used a straw from day 1 and have never had a problem with it.

The dietician was telling me and this other girl rules.. other girl was getting RNY, so some comments were directed to one or the other. When she said no drinking in straws (they DID tell me this), I asked why. She said the air will hurt blah blah.. I said oh.. ok. So I didn't try drinking through a straw for about 4 weeks. Then I did. No Pain.. I like drinking my SF kool aid or crystal light through a straw.. so I can have ice in it, and not worry about hurting my teeth. No problems here!

I use a straw because of tooth sensitivity, it bypasses my front teeth and I can still enoy cold beverages. ~Mandy

My doctor says the reason not to is because air will be introduced into the stomach. However, I don't see how a straw is any different from one of those Propel bottles where the opening is a tiny hole at the top of a twisty lid. I feel like I get far more air from those than from a straw. So, I try to avoid straws but sometimes I do drink from them and have had no discomfort.