I am a January bandster, and to date I do not use straws because it was on my no-no list. I just wanted survey others to find out if other bandsters are using straws. If so have you had any problems because of it?

I also don't use straws because it's on my no-no list. I used to drink out of straws 99% of the time before being banded.

What is the reasoning behind not using straws? Is this a permanent requirement, or just while healing?

I use straws and I have had no difficulty. I also wonder what the reasoning is. I think it is during the healing phase...maybe to quick on fluid intake, or air bubbles???

I have used straws since 6 weeks post-op and have not had any problems this last month. I was also told no straws because it could cause air to get trapped and cause pain.

Too much air gets into to your pouch and can stretch it out. The same goes for any carbonated drinks. Although I've heard that carbonated drinks can cause very serious pain, I have not heard that from using a straw.

I use a straw when I'm having one of my shakes. It doesn't cause any problems for me.

No I do not use straws

So weird how each dr is different... i used a straw at the hospital and i have used one every day since.. i have had no problems.. i have very sensative teeth so i hate not using a straw... hmm.. to each their own i suppose but best adivse is to do whatever your dr tell you to do... To me that is the most important rule of all!:biggrin:

Strange... I met with my nutritionist yestarday. She told me to use straws for all my drinks following surgery. Surgery date is September 4th. I didn't think that I would be using straws at all prior to meeting with her. Made me happy! :biggrin: I don't like germs or the thought of drinking out of glasses in public places.

They told me it was because of the excess air intake while drinking out of a straw. Personally I think I probably swallow as much air when drinking out of a glass. Not to mention I love McDonalds iced tea, but their cups are so flimsy when you take the lid off, and on more than one occasion I have ended up drenched, using a straw would be much easier.

Thanks for the replies guys! Have a wonderful evening.

I never used straws either because I was told it was a no-no. But one day recently I got an iced coffee from Dunkin' Donuts and without thinking put a straw into it and started drinking. I had no adverse reactions, no gas or feeling bloated. when I went today for a fill I was talking to some of the ladies in the office (bandsters) and alot of them still drink soda.

That I wouldn't do..............too gassy. But a straw I haven't had a problem with.

Good Luck on your journey!!

Funny you mentioned the iced coffee - I was banded in November and being ever so careful and diligent not to use a straw when one day I realized that I probably had six iced coffees in the last few months and drank with a straw every time!! Now I use the straw only for my iced coffee which I drink far more often because it's summer. I don't have any issues and feel fine - but I am careful to try not to intake too much air. I am afraid to try soda - and am keeping it that way since it has no redeeming value anyway.

i use straws all of the time and no problems

I must be the oddball.

I can't drink without straws. The straw is my best kitchen item. I buy them in bulk, take a few extra at the gas station when getting a drink,etc.

See, I'm a lifetime gulper. That was part of my problem. I gulped since a child.

And when I gulp, it spews like a shaken baby after a bottle.

I try to slow down my drinking...but it surely is going to take more than a year to re-learn that one!

I use straws all the time. The reason I was told not to use straws is because you let air in - and you'll get gas AND it promotes gulping-which we all know is a no-no! I have no problem with straws, so I use them!:smile: