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Ok. So my surgeon’s office says NO straws. I don’t know why of all the things I could worry about that I have picked this to fret about but I have. I don’t understand how you ‘swallow air’ with a straw any more that without one. What is everyone else’s thoughts on this?

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I'd avoid them real close to surgery because your tender tummy will be very sensitive to that little extra bit of air. Once you've healed some, you likely won't have a problem with straws. I use them all the time.

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I really like using straws. I also really like carbonated beverages.

But it's such a small thing (or pair of things, I guess) to give up, in the grander scheme?

I'm going to do what I'm told, on that. I've heard enough stories about people causing themselves discomfort by pushing the boundaries that I plan not to push, at all. I threw out my water bottle that had a straw attached, and I got myself a half-size Nalgene (it's so cute! it's like they took the normal, 32 ounce one and just shrunk it!).

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Thank you guys! I have super sensitive teeth so I have always used a straw. I am trying hard not to use one but I am just a little frustrated with it. I have a 32oz stainless cup like a yeti that I love (if my Water isn’t cold I don’t like to drink it). I LOVE seltzer water and I have given that up. I am sure it’s just nervous nitpicking as the SD approaches.

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It seems like the only time one is really sucking air is at the end when trying to get the last out of the glass. I think that the general consensus on this, as with many things, is that if it bothers you, don't do it; if it doesn't bother you, you aren't doing any damage.

Generally, it is best to humor them and follow their instructions as if you have any problems, related or not, you will be labelled a non-compliant patient and you will hear "see - it's those straws!"

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Like you this was one of my concerns giving up straws and carbonated beverages. But I can see the intake of air with both and the idea of injuring my new belly for self-gratification is enough to have me rethink my thoughts / decision.

Straw - The tube is filled with air as you suck up the liquid. Is it enough to damage you, maybe, maybe not. But is it worth the chance?

I can tell you post op, that ice-cold beverage in my yeti cup is not a concern as I can barely tolerate room temperature. My new stomach only wants hot liquids (not even warm). Choose your battles wisely and as you learn your new routines you may or may not want that straw anymore.

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3 hours ago, Mitzimom said:

Ok. So my surgeon’s office says NO straws. I don’t know why of all the things I could worry about that I have picked this to fret about but I have. I don’t understand how you ‘swallow air’ with a straw any more that without one. What is everyone else’s thoughts on this?

My program discouraged both carbonation and straws during the healing process, which can be up to 3 months. I use a straw every day. No discomfort on my end from excess gas.

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My program discouraged use of both straws and carbonated drinks. I gave up my daily La Croix on my pre op diet which was a struggle. But the more research I did I found that carbonated beverages were one of the leading causes of stretching the pouch and thus leading to gaining weight. Which I am doing everything in my power to be successful‼️

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I have ignored this rule since surgery when i asked about their effect on the outcome of my success and was told it was negligible.

HOWEVER

I have reverted to being straw less lately at almost 10 months out. I no longer need them like i thought i absolutely did especially since I just discovered the sippy lid at Starbucks for the cold cups.

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
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    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
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      https://alluniqueguide.com/java-burn-coffee-reviews/
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