What's the deal with straws?? Are we ever going to be able to drink with one ever again?? I know this isn't life altering or anything but I was just wondering??

i had my surgery the 13th of january they had me drinking out of straws in the hospital.it is ok.

Yeah, my doc said no straws too. I'm guessing it has to do with the amount of air, but heck, I'm already so gassy so why not!

I do use straws if I have something to drink in the car and don't have a Water bottle handy. To be honest, I haven't noticed a difference.

Really??? They never told you straws were a "no-no"??

I use straws all the time. I've never had a problem with them. That's the only way I can get the protein drinks down.

You know Teal, I have no idea about straw use. I never used them before, because I always drank from a water bottle. But I would like to know the reasoning behind not utilizing them.

I was told by my bariatric surgeon's office not to use them prior to surgery because air is in the straw when you start sucking and that extra air is not good for the lapband (they also tell the same thing to bypass patients).

Even though they told me not to use them, like usual I had to experiment and found that I had no problems with using a straw.

I enjoy using a staw and sometimes will use the coffee stirrer that also can be used like a straw. Its thinner so maybe less air comes in? Who knows.

I guess its like everything else about the lapband that some things they tell you work and some things don't. I've found its an individual journey to make the adjustments to what fits you.

My doctor told me no for only the first 6 weeks. After that he said it was fine. I use them everyday.

I forgot about that rule, though I did hear it, and drank iced tea through a straw earlier today. I've never had an issue using a straw. I don't do it that often, but I definitely have a few times since my surgery.

The one thing I've been steering clear of though is diet soda. Diet Pepsi-free since October 19, 2008! (And I used to have one every day. . )

Catherine

My doctor said it's a no-no for me too. However, there's no way I'm going out to a restaurant and not using a straw. That just grosses me out.

Thanks guys!! I think I'll clarify again with my Doc at my next check-up.ALthough it sounds as though all those of you that are using straws are no worse for the wear!! :thumbup:

My doc just suggests not using them immediately after surgery. I can use them now if I wanted, but I swallow too much air. I am a Belching Fiesta!

My doc said this is an absolute no no! It's funny because most people miss breads or pasta, and my biggest thing is drinking out of a straw! I miss the ability to that. I am unsure of why they do not want me to but I am not taking any chances and I am following the doc's orders.