What's wrong with a straw?

[logicwand 269]

I was told NOT to drink out of a straw. Slow sips of Water, often. Well, I did really well the first week or so. Starting week 2, I realize I'm probably only getting 20-30oz in. Yesterday I started filling my 24oz Tervis tumbler with water and drinking through a straw. I hit my 64oz daily goal yesterday and am already at about 32oz today. I haven't *felt* anything weird when drinking with the straw or anything weird going on in my stomach. I really hope I can continue doing this because for some reason, I tend to drink A LOT more when it's from my tumbler with straw. (I wonder if it reminds me of my fast food drinks? !??! What a thought. Yikes.)

[frust8 963]

The theory is: it introduces extra air into your healing sleeve or pouch. So you have increased pain and trouble burping it back up. All kinds of surgeons hold to that premise, maybe their instructors and professors drummed into their dear little heads in medical school. My feeling? Try it, if it doesn't bother you, do it on The sly. Just don't tell Senor Medico, they'll get all bent out of shape. If tongue lashings are your thing, go ahead and come clean!

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[Sleeve1stFitNext 924]

I barely drink out of straw after my experience once. I have endless amounts of bubbles and pressure in my sleeve. It was like having a burp that you cannot get up. If I drink from a straw, I hold the air and breath it out through my nose and then swallow.

Edited March 15, 2018 by Sleeve1stFitNext

[AnA92212 577]

I am using a straw right now. I use straws for almost everything. It does not bother me.

[newself 98]

I accidently used a straw (so used to using one pre surgery that it was habit). I feel fine and I'm going to keep using one because like you said, it's so much easier to get all of the Water in with a straw. My dr forbid straws as well.... I guess I'm an outlaw!

[sideeye 1,440]

liquid isn’t at the top of the straw and you have to suction it up, bringing those four inches of air in too. They tend to mix into something kind of bubbly at the top of your mouth which is hard to isolate and breathe out before swallowing, so you end up swallowing a lot of air. Then your stomach gets all bubbly.

I’m writing this as I drink through a straw, which I absent-mindedly stuck in the iced tea I just bought. First time since surgery and I probably won’t make it a habit, I can feel the difference in my stomach. Feel a little seasick.

[sideeye 1,440]

UGh, and now the can’t-burp feeling. Avoid straws. Ugh. This is the first time my stomach’s made noises since surgery.

Edited March 15, 2018 by sideeye

[Sullie06 1,047]

I drink out of a straw everyday, I also can drink more water/tea if I'm using a straw. My doctor told me that if it doesn't bother me then go right ahead. I have no issue burping if I need to burp so I don't see any issue with it personally. If it doesn't bother you and it's helping you meet your fluid goals, I say you do you!

[butpleasedontlosethatbutt 3]

I asked my nutritionist the saaaaame thing. She explained that they really don't want us drinking through a straw right after surgery, as it allows more air into your tummy. However, once you're completely healed, straws are fine! She assured me that the air from using straws will NOT stretch your stomach, although carbonation WILL and is still a no-no for life.

Happy sucking!

[KateBruin 344]

I started straws about a week out. I got an iced tea, was drinking out of a straw and realized I was told no. However, they did say that it differs from person to person. I have absolutely no issues except they occasionally make me burp. Worst case you get some pain and burping.

[KateBruin 344]

I asked my nutritionist the saaaaame thing. She explained that they really don't want us drinking through a straw right after surgery, as it allows more air into your tummy. However, once you're completely healed, straws are fine! She assured me that the air from using straws will NOT stretch your stomach, although carbonation WILL and is still a no-no for life.
Happy sucking! [emoji4]

From the various videos I’ve watched, sleeve stretching is a myth. I drink carbonated Water just about daily. There’s not enough carbonation to stretch your stomach even if it did.

[Kathy Fife 11]

My doctor said no straws or soda for 2 years post surgery, your stomach is like a balloon and will expand with air or carbonation. You get used to it. Why chance it? Why put your body through the surgery for a straw?

I still don't drink carbonated drinks and I used to drink massive amounts if diet coke.

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[logicwand 269]

17 hours ago, KateBruin said:

From the various videos I’ve watched, sleeve stretching is a myth. I drink carbonated Water just about daily. There’s not enough carbonation to stretch your stomach even if it did.

You know, I was wondering about this. How is it possible that carbonation could stretch a stomach out? I thought that's why our bodies make us burp - too much air in the tummy. My friend who's thin as a rail drinks at least two cokes a day. Of course everybody's different, but honestly, I just never understood how this could really be true. Hmm.

[srich0326 6]

I, too, drink better with a straw. I’m still pre-op, but I heard this, too. I’m guessing because of the little bit of extra air you take on with a straw. I’ve been practicing with sips and making my mark pre-op. We will see how it goes. *one week*

[Kathy Fife 11]

Maybe it's different with the sleeve. I had Gastric bypass and have a pouch not my stomach. But I would follow doctor's instructions.