What's the real scoop on STRAWS??

Hi guys....

Just a quick question.....do any of you use straws?  I know we are not supposed to and normally I do not.  But now that it's so hot, I wanted to get a Crystal Light slurpee.  I know they have spoon straws, but I want to drink it like normal.

Is it just because we trap air and it brings air into our small stomach which could cause pain??  Or are there other reasons why no straws?  Before surgery, I ALWAYS drank with a straw....everything (well not milk) but almost always my drinks had straws in them.  So this one has been an adjustment for me.

So I guess the question is....will it hurt me terribly to drink out of straw once in a while??

Thanks

Nan

Nan,
I was told that the straws would allow you to drink too fast, and allow a lot of air in to your pouch. Both of these can cause you discomfort.

I was so scared to use one, but then one day I found the sf slurpees and forgot all about it.  I use a straw now a few times a week and have not had a problem.  Be mindful of HOW you are drinking, like no going crazy and slurping like a mad woman.  IMO it's ok to do if you pay attention to what you are doing.  But I'm not a doctor, so please don't take this as medical advice

ETA-I think my pouch is the size of a two car garage now, so that may be why I don't have a problem.  Maybe it's best to hear from someone other than me.

LOL...."the size of a two car garage"  You are funny Brenda!  I get such a kick out of reading your posts :-)

That's kind of what I'm thinking, if I am very careful I hope it is okay.  I have read on the main board and on the RNY board people say their doctor says it's okay after 6 months, etc...so who knows.....seems like each surgeon has different rules.

For now, I think I am going to enjoy my SF slurpee with a straw.... :-)

Hello Nan,
I don't use a straw . . only because I'm such a rule breaker I thought I would be sure to follow a few . . . lol . . I have enough stomach problems and gas that I didn't want anymore.

I have eaten the Crystal Light Slurpee with a spoon - I get in my white wicker rocker on my porch and eat it like ice cream.  I think they taste to sweet and would rather make a protein fruit smoothie than have a Slurpee and I'm getting in some protein.

1 banana
5 frozen strawberries
5 ice cubes
1 cup of skim milk
1 scoop of protein
a drizzle of sugar free choc syrup

add more ice to make it thicker

so much better than a Slurpee!

Yummy....that sounds good!   I know what you mean about breaking the rules!  I felt so guilty the first time I drank out of a straw.  I have only done it like twice and both time never really thought about it until all of the sudden thought 'oh crap, I'm using a straw'.  I just did it out of habit.......

Sorry I'm not doing the walk tomorrow night.  I really thought I would, but this week work is crazy because I was gone 2 days last week for my trip to NY and next week I'll be gone camping M-W so I have been working late and trying to get everyting done I need to get done before I leave Sunday.

It's so funny how different we all are.  You'll see more and more of this the farther post-op you get.
I have eaten a lot of stuff you aren't "supposed" to and been fine.  I drink from a straw sometimes.  But I am scared to death to drink pop.  I know people that have been drinking it since the day of surgery and don't have any problems.  You just never know what is going to work for you.
I wish I was patient and smart enough to really learn how this whole thing works......like why does some pasta make me feel like I'm dying and some is fine?  Maybe one day, when I retire and hire a maid, I will just sit around and research all of this!

There a ton of 5k's right up to December I'm planning on doing.  There are a couple of "fun" ones around Halloween I'm hoping we all can do.
Alice and I are doing the walk tomorrow but haven't heard from anyone else - it's going to be hot put hopefully not raining!

It's funny I have never had the desire to try drinking from a straw since surgery.

Enjoy your camping trip.

Kristy,

I start physical therapy tomorrow, with a goal of doing a 5k in August.  I have missed not being able to do them.  My meds are working out too, makes me tired, but that is diminishing too.

Pam

Nan

I drink from a straw, and have since about 6 months out.  I was having problems getting in my fluids, it helps. 

I am mindful of how much I do drink.  I just finished 24 oz of purple smash that I have been working on since 12:30 (about 1 hr 15 cause I took a 45 minute errand running lunch). 

Like Kristy, the crystal lite slurpees are too sweet for me.  I do make my own.  I use 16 oz of water to 1 unsweetened koolaid and 3/4 c splenda (Keeps it a lil tart too).  I pour it over ice from my snow cone machine. 

Pam

 

Thanks Pam - I think it will help me get my fluids in too if I could use a straw.