No Straws for how long???

Hello all!

I am 8 weeks out from my VSG. I was told no straws because they add air??? I am past the "sipping" stage and can drink water pretty freely without discomfort. I honestly feel when I drink from a cup I gulp in some air. When I drink from a straw it seems more confined...no air. (had a decaf iced coffee and used the straw without problems the other day)

Anyone else have a "No Straws" restriction and how long before you can use them again? I miss them!

I practice therapy for swallowing disorders. It is true that one will swallow more air when sucking through a straw than drinking from a cup. This extra air is seen during fluoroscopy. This air may make your tiny tummy uncomfortable until the air is released. I believe the no straw rule is a suggestion to facilitate one's comfort.

Swallowing through a straw is not harmful but swallowing air may take up space in one's tummy. I drink water from my camelbak which has a valve that reduces the amount of air swallowed.

Do what you think it best. I am loving my new lifestyle and giving up straws and my beloved Dr Pepper has been worth my new look. I love my sleeve and am totally committed to my new habits. I am so happy with my new normal.

OOh, another person who has given up Dr Pepper!  I was a diet Dr P fiend.  My son- not the most tactful of young men said "it's not like drinking a half gallon of diet Dr Pepper helped you not be fat, mom!!"

I am 3 months out and I do drink with a straw, but slowly.  And I have given up Dr Pepper entirely- it was such a trigger to also eat Cheez-its, or pretzels and cheese or popcorn or... you get the idea.

But like you, no back pain, smaller clothes and compliments is way better than carbonation and caffeine!

 

 

 

 

I took my Dr Pepper straight up with all the sugar. Now I don't even miss it and I never thought that could happen. Love my water.

I had surgery in December and until I saw your post I totally forgot about the no straw recommendation. Now I don't use them often but it is a habit when I am out to eat and have been using straws when out to eat since about 6 weeks out. I really only take a couple of tiny sips because I know we should eat and drink at the same time but sometimes ya just need a little something especially if others are having appetizers. Anyhow, I haven't experienced any issues using a straw.

I was naturally an air swallower pre op and didn't know it until after surgery when I was having pain in my sleeve from it. My surgeon actually recommended that I try using a straw to see if that helped. And it did! You will not damage your sleeve by swallowing air, so if you want to use a straw, I say go for it. Just be aware that if you are an air swallower when using a straw, it can be painful. Take it easy and take it SLOW.

My doctor recommended using a straw so that I would swallow LESS air!  I've had no problems with them at all.  It's what works for you.

Jane

My doctor told me no straws ever! I bought a camel bak and it works great!

I am 4.5 weeks out and I use straws since my doctor told me he didn't care at my 2 week post-op.  He said just be mindful of the possibility that it could make me swallow air--apparently the way some people drink from straws introduces more air (but I don't find that for myself).  I have sensitive teeth so the straw is a real comfort for me and I'm glad I didn't have to give them up. 

my doctor allows straws as long as they don't bother you , but I have a camel bac and love it , no air, no spills

 2 bottles and its 50 oz ,plus a shake and I have my 64 oz minimum