This is kind of silly but..here goes...is not being allowed to use a drinking straw just a post op thing or is it forever and always thing?

i'm not sure on this, as my doctor told me not to use a straw until after my 2 week check-up. I've been using it everyday since then and it hasn't made any difference for me. I've had NO gas. So I really can't help answer the question but it seems like my doc is ok with me using one.

It is not silly. I thought it was silly and for me I really notice if I forget and use a straw. Especially now that I am at good restriction.

The theory is that by drinking through the straw you get the whole top of the straw of air, it goes straight into your stomach under your band. Since being banded I don't burp normally and can't get it out. and it gets very uncomfortable. The scare is that the air can build up and push your band out of place.

For me there is a real effect when I forget and use the straw provided. All of my friends and family are on straw watch, among other things to help me remove it from my glass and set it aside.

Girl! Ban the straw for life! It will put wrinkles on your lips.

I do use a straw every morning with my iced tea (that my doctor ok'd) and I have no problems. None. But everyone is different, you have to see what you can and can't tolerate.

I use a straw all the time with no problem. Some people say they can't burp after banding but I have never burped more in my life.

I get the same amount of burps with the straw as without the straw.

huh? nobody said anything to me about not using a straw... I use one all of the time. I burp too. I have no pain though sometimes I do have gas, though I'm only a week and a half out so I figured that was okay. I guess I'll just stop using it now...

I have a doctor appt on Thursday and I'll ask them about it.

If for some reason you do have problems with the extra air you get drinking through a straw, but love using them and just don't want to quit, it will help if when you drink, you hold the liquid in your mouth for just a sec and let out the extra air before you swallow, rather than just swallowing it all straight down.

I'm a big straw fanatic and that's what I do to save myself the burpy pain.