Question:
Drinking with a straw

I'm 3 years out and I was wondering if anyone know if being this far out hurts your pouch by drinking with a straw??? I'm hooked on McDonald's sugar free iced coffee and I have a few each week and of course they come in a glass with a straw. My doctor says if I don't notice any excess gass or bloating it should be alright, but I just wanted the opinion's of other RNY patients on this subject. Thank you in advance for all your input.    — GrammaAnn (posted on May 19, 2010)

May 19, 2010
I'm 7 1/2 years out, I still avoid using straws due to the fact, my surgeon told me that the air that comes through the straw will expand your pouch. Occassionally I will use one, but for the other 99% of the time, I pick up the cup and drink from it.
   — rhondabooker

May 19, 2010
I use a straw for almost everything. Personally I don't think I could get enough fluids down without one.
   — KristalleH

May 19, 2010
My Dr. said, NO straws ever, so guess what? I never use straws. Why would anyone use them if they are going to do something to the pouch? My outlook is, we went through a lot of pain and sacrifice to get here, I am not going to blow it with using straws, eat gum or drink fluids with my meals. My best friedn does all the above and now after five years she is gaining weight, that freaked me out.
   — FSUMom

May 19, 2010
I've used a straw since about 1 month out, with the blessings of my surgeon. I was getting too much air without the straw and I couldn't stomach the smell of the protein drinks. With a lid and a flexible straw, I could get them down easily. I do crush the end of the straw that goes in my mouth, to cut down on air and I stop about a half inch from the bottom of the container, so I'm not sucking air.
   — Peggie

May 19, 2010
My doctor says straws are fine. I like those iced coffee from McDonald's too. I have never had a problem from using a straw.
   — MargaretHM

May 19, 2010
hey there well im a year post opp and i find it easier to drink my water and protene frapp in the morning easier with a straw only a few times do i notice any discomfort other than that im usually fine. btw congrats on yor sucess .. catherine
   — CATHERINE81

May 20, 2010
I personally think it depends on the size of the straw. I could not get the fluids in if I didn't drink with a straw, as a matter of fact when they brought me my drinks in the hospital, they gave me straws. You have to drink slowly and not gulp for one. I do understand about regaining weight and too much air. But you have to have caution with a lot of things, since this is a life altering experience for all of us. But we all are different and have different needs and ways to get our nourishment.
   — Jrice423

May 20, 2010
I personally think it depends on the size of the straw. I could not get the fluids in if I didn't drink with a straw, as a matter of fact when they brought me my drinks in the hospital, they gave me straws. You have to drink slowly and not gulp for one. I do understand about regaining weight and too much air. But you have to have caution with a lot of things, since this is a life altering experience for all of us. But we all are different and have different needs and ways to get our nourishment.
   — Jrice423

May 22, 2010
I am only 7 months out, but personally I feel discomfort the couple of times I've 'cheated' and used a straw. My doctor told me not to because it allows too much air into the pouch, thus stretching it... something I certainly don't want, even if discomfort wasn't involved. I'll be honest, I'm not the type to follow doctors orders simply because they are doctors orders. My doctor also told me I could never eat steak because I couldn't eat dry meats... I don't know where she gets her steaks but I do just fine. Any rate... I think it totally depends on the issue. As I said, the couple of times I've used a straw, I've felt myself taking on too much air... felt a tightening and discomfort. So I don't do it. I don't drink carbonation - even though I miss it more than anything in the world and would give my right arm for a mineral water. Same reason... don't really want to blow my pouch up like a balloon. But I've talked to lots of post ops that do drink carbonated things and seem to be doing fine. At the end of the day, it comes down to your own bodies reactions and what you feel comfortable with I think.
   — Jeanette Hagar

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