Straws

[caligurl909 5]

Can we use straws... I had my surgery in April but I feel straws give me a lot of gas... anyone else experience that?

[maggie409 765]

I have used straws since day 1 in the hospital. My doc said the only drawback to straws was that I had the potential to get too much air in my stomach. I personally get less air using a straw than not using one. Plus I am able to drink more liquids. There will be many opinions for and against.

[TealSister 296]

My surgeon said no straws ever. It seems like most people on here have received the same directives, although some use straws anyway and claim they have no problems. I haven't used a straw and don't plan to. Get a good cup that you can easily sip from.

[Elode 8,093]

I use straws w/o issues but if it gives you gas don't use them.

[mclorrie 219]

I think it's pretty much up to your surgeon. I was using a straw right after I got out of surgery. I had my endoscopy done before surgery, and a hiatal hernia repair during surgery, so taking small sips was not a problem for me. Using a straw was not an issue either.

[caligurl909 5]

Thanks everyone

[Proud2BMe 1,016]

Much of the info we receive is well meant but wrong. Straws are perfectly fine and it's up to you if you want to use them. I was also told never to drink carbonated beverages again because it will stretch my stomach and cause me gas and pain. I learned just from trying it that it's not the case at all. The only drawback is that I burp more when drinking them. So the rule of thumb is to try to experiment and see if it's okay for you or not.