Hi everybody! Just wondering if anyone is using straws after surgery. I'm having a hard time getting all my liquids in. I know I could always drink more with a straw. I know it's supposed to be a no-no!

Ah, the big straw debate - one of the great urban legends of the WLS world.

First, what does your doc say about it, as they should be your primary source for advice on such things.

Beyond that, docs vary on their advice between "never again" (although rarely, usually it's just an initial thing, tho some docs don't bother to say that) to "if it doesn't bother you, then it doesn't bother me - if it's uncomfortable, don't do it."

It seems like that big issue with some (it's sometimes hard to find a reason for some of these "rules") is that drawing air into your stomach by sucking the last bit out of the glass may be uncomfortable.

Personal note - I was having sips of water from a straw in the hospital. YMMV

I'm using straws to sip my water and protein shakes - can't be more comfortable. Got no issues with air intake - I guess this stupid straw ban is an urban legend ))

And I never heard anything about not using straws neither from my dietician, nor from my surgeon. We need to take water and protein - and it's up to you how you are going to deliver that! )

I'm a little over 10 months post op and I've been using straws since about 3 months post op. My doc said if it doesn't bother me, it doesn't bother him. I've found that I can get more fluids in if I use a straw.

I finally broke down and used one yesterday and was able to get so much more fluid in. It didn't bother my stomach at all.

1 minute ago, Maryg4282 said:

I finally broke down and used one yesterday and was able to get so much more Fluid in. It didn't bother my stomach at all.

Great!