I never had this one explained to me. I haven't drank through a straw since the surgery, but was just curious what the reasoning was behind it.

Thanks!

I always thought you could. I was told that straws were fine. It will be interesting to see what people have say about this. Please keep us posted!!!!

You are not suppose to drink thru a straw because u swallow more air when u swallow. Believe me I forgot and drank a whole drink over a few hours time thru a straw and I paid for it later that night. I was so gassy and my intestines rumbled all night long. Wont do any damage to ya but it is uncomfortable when u are that gassy

That's what I thought, but I was just checking.

Thanks!

Hi all! I know from expierence as being a Med Surg Nurse, that we always tell patients after surgery no straws. When you sip, you take in air and that can give you a lot of gas pains. Dietary didn't even put them on their trays. That was for people who were opened up for surgery. Laparscopic is different. But you still get some gas pains. I have not used any straws since surgery. I have enough gas with out them.

I heard it was the air bubble thing but with me its that I drink too fast witha straw and get that stuck feeling.

i was told it was because it causes air in the stomach and that is something you really dont want.

Odd - another of those differences depending on where you are I guess. The first water they bought me in hospital after my surgery had a straw in it :cry_smile:

I was told to drink through a straw to keep from gulping my liquids. I haven't had any problems with it.

It must be dependant on where you live, I am in the uk and have been advised to use a straw as was told this way you take smaller sips rather than gulping. I suppose you just have to go with the advice you are given personally.

Laura x

I always wondered why you couldnt drink through a straw. Thank you for letting me know why

I have had a horrible time swallowing air since I was banded. Funnily enough, I find that when I use a straw, I don't seem to. However when I eat food I still manage to swallow air. Strange.

Another one of those things that varies from surgeon to surgeon. I also was given a straw to drink liquid from right after surgery. I don't seem to swallow any more air when using a straw than otherwise -- at least, I haven't noticed any additional burping, gas, or stomach pains when I use a straw.

I was told no straws because you end up drinking more liquid more quickly.

I was also told the no straw rule, but broke it after a couple of weeks with no adverse effects. I was banded March 4. SS

My doctor said it's no big deal. I've never had any problems with it.