Forgot about Straws

Yesterday, I pulled an old reusable water bottle out of the cabinet. It has a straw! I have been drinking from it for about a day.

I just occured to me that I am not supposed to be using a straw. Do you think I have done any damage? Should I call my doctor?

You know, I never have understood the straw thing, but I never was a straw person anyway.  I think they feel like you will swallow more air.  At any rate, don't use the straw any more until you can go to the dr and ask but it certainly isn't a call the Dr thing.  If it hadn't bothered you, it probably won't.

When one drinks with a straw, one swallows air. The body will eventually release the air via a burp or flatulence. Air in the tummy takes up space until it is released. The air may cause some discomfort until released.



So drinking from a straw is not necessarily harmful but it can be uncomfortable. I doubt you have hurt anything but do check with your doctor.



If you are feeling comfortable then you are probably OK.

ETA: your comfort level will probably be dependent upon how far out you are post-op and type of surgery.

My program doesn't forbid straws. Because they don't make stupid rules that treat us like kids. 

Yeah a small minority of people gulp air when they drink from a straw. But most people don't and most people drink more when they use a straw and get their fluids in easier too. 

**Like**

I was given a straw in hospital when I was recovering from being sleeved.  Just do what works for you, if you don't feel like you swallowed air a result then keep doing it.

After I was about a week out I asked my Surgeon if I could use a straw because it hurt to swallow and he told me as long as I wasn't getting gassy or air bubbles not to worry about.  I think you would know by now if the straw is causing you problems.

I use a straw everyday and it has never bothered me.  If my surgeon has that rule, I think it was right after your surgery.