I've read different takes on the straw issue and wanted to check with those of you that have already been living with the band. I absolutely love drinking from a straw but have heard it's a NO NO. Is there anything wrong with using lots of ice too? I love very cold water, yum!

I haven't noticed anything different when I use a straw or I don't. I also make my drinks with a ton of ice and have not had any problems.

i still use a straw sometimes.

i dont think it matters, as long as you gulp your drink down

Hi. My dr. told me not to use a straw. Supposedly it introduces air into the pouch and can cause it to stretch. I am newly banded and have forgotten a few times. I like using straws too because I have this germ-a-phobe thing regarding drinking out of glasses at restaurants. But I am going to try not to use them anymore.

Honestly, my surgeon said no drinking from straws either. As I have never been big on straws, that didn't bother me.

As for ice, I don't think it will hurt. However, ever since I got my band, I can no longer drink anything cold. I have to have everything room temperature. If not, it is just plain painful for me. I have no idea why, but it just is.

straws cause gas. Not worth it. I hadn't heard about the ice though...

So far i have not had any problems with straws, just drink the drink and let it sit in your mouth first to get all the air out then you wont have any problems. I have never heard anything about stretching the band just causing gas, but no problems here, yet!! good luck to all!!

I use straws all the time. Including extra large ones for my morning smoothie with the blended up Cereal. No issues for me.

I dislike ice so everything is room temp. I don't drink soda pop.

Quick question - Would you even know if you were stretching your pouch? I don't even think you would know that you were doing it. I paid for the surgery myself and I am not taking any chances. I am going to try to stick to whatever my dr. told me.

Thanks for all the info....I guess it's an individual thing but I agree that it's not worth taking chances and creating additional problems - whatever my Dr. tells me will be what I do. Tonight is my consultation so I can't wait to get the ball rolling and hopefully get my date