I am currently 4 weeks post op, and down 22 pounds. I am feeling pretty well, but I have a couple lingering questions that perhaps the collective can answer:

1. Why aren't you supposed to use a straw. It seems easier to get my liquids in and I don't feel that I swallow air.

2. Why can't you drink with eating? I've been trying to find the medical reason.

3. I hate eating with other people. It used to be that I didn't like to eat with others and was self conscious they would judge what I ate. Now, I go to a networking meeting and get a bowl of soup, and eat only half. They question me. It's not that I want to keep the surgery a secret, but I don't want to spend time talking about it. I'm there to work. Declining invitations is not ideal. Any tips?

You're supposed to sip not gulp. Using a straw would let you take in too much liquid. The reason no liquid is that it would fill you up. When its time to eat eat your protein first, then vegetables, & starch last. You will get used to your new way of eating. Hang in there. It gets better over time. I'm one year post op. I've lost 160 lbs so far. Still have 60 more to go. It literally changed my life.

You're supposed to sip not gulp. Using a straw would let you take in too much liquid. The reason no liquid is that it would fill you up. When its time to eat eat your Protein first, then vegetables, & starch last. You will get used to your new way of eating. Hang in there. It gets better over time. I'm one year post op. I've lost 160 lbs so far. Still have 60 more to go. It literally changed my life.

I think also that sipping through a straw allows too much air into your new tummy.

As far as eating with others, just politely say, "I'm full, thank you". No need to say anything else.

Just take a deep breath and relax. Your world will settle down around you. Give yourself time.

You will are ARE doing maavelous, Daaling!

Another reason not to drink while eating is the liquid can empty the sleeve sooner and you will not stay full as long. Same reason they ask you to not get too comfortable in the soft food stage. Yogurts and applesauce will just slide right through your sleeve. You can do it! ????