Can anyone answer what's the deal with drinking from a straw after surgery? Why is it forbidden?

Maybe it causes more gas?

Some people take in too much air when drinking from a straw, which puts pressure on your sleeve.

My surgeon encourages the use of it helps you get your fluid in! He even lets you while in the hospital directly post-op. I'm 1 year and 8 months out so far, without a straw, I don't get 1/2 the water amount in as when I do you a straw!

I've always dranked with a straw. You do however take in air plus more liquid. Most of the air comes right back out.

I made a command decision about 5 weeks postop that if I was going to get my water in I'd have to use a straw. No problems drinking my decaf cup of coffee in the am and a 52 ounce unsweetened tea thru the day.

6 hours ago, clc9 said:

Some people take in too much air when drinking from a straw, which puts pressure on your sleeve.

That. My doc told me the same thing.

My doctor lifted the restriction at 2 weeks post op. As others have said, my best bet to get my liquids in is to use a straw.

Drinking with a straw sucks air in with the fluids. That air, in turn, creates gas, which could cause pain. That's what I was told anyway.

I never had that restriction, although my doctor mentioned some surgeon do have it. He stated he sees no evidence that it causes harm and actually have patients that report they drink more with one. I for one can drink more with a straw and I actually had less air.