Question:
straws?
I was told during the pre surgery nutrition counseling session that i couldn't use a straw b/c it would give me gas. Well, i am 6 weeks post op now and last night I went out to eat and totally forgot and used my straw when taking tiny sips of water. I didn't even think twice, felt no gas and wondered if it was just a temporary post op thing...do any of you use straws? Is it ok to do so now? — kittyluver77 (posted on May 7, 2007)
May 7, 2007
Hi Stacey, I never used straws because they told me I would feel up with
air quicker than eating food. PLUS Lord knows this surgery gives you gas as
it it, I didn't need more......LOL
— MCraig3
May 7, 2007
I don't use straws. I was told not to,from the very beginning. I do
whatever they tell me to do. I didn't question things like that...I figure
that they know what they are talking about. (I am not a mindless robot...I
do question things that I don't understand.)If this still concerns you,by
all means make a call to your nutrionist/after care nurse. I hope that you
are feeling peaceful & loved today.
— peacelovecat
May 7, 2007
Hi Stacey,
I use a straw, I have always used a straw to drink water, it's the only way
I can drink it. I get more gas drinking from a cup then I do using a
straw. Everyone is different. At my support group there are others that
use straws all the time for the same reason I do, we get less air using a
straw then with one.
We were all told not to, but it doesn't seem to make a huge difference to
the people that I have spoken to.
Hope this helps,
Sheryl
Open RNY 11/20/06
344/255/150
— Sheryl H.
May 7, 2007
Stacey,
I used a straw yesterday for the first time -- only because I was driving
and drinking a smoothie. I never used straws much prior to the surgery.
Whatever they tell you to do or don't know in those first 6 months -- stick
to it.
— the7thdean
May 7, 2007
So.....my surgeon's office and NUT says no straws until after 6 months, if
you can tolerate it. My medical group - education department - says try it
when you want to; if you tolerate - go for it, if you don't wait and try
again. I tried about 2 weeks ago - major gas and burping. So, no straws for
me - for now. I am getting used to not using one. I do miss straws, but
it's all good. Whatever I have to do to keep comfortable and healthy is
what I will do or not do as the case may be.
— jammerz
May 7, 2007
Stacey... everyone is different.. if you don't swallow alot of air when
taking small sips and it allows you to get all of the water that you need
to get in daily, then do what you feel is best. They tell you not to do
the straw thing as you can swallow alot of air when using them.. I would
think that when you are able to drink more fluid at a time, then it could
cause you some problems. Also be careful with blended drinks in the
blender. As when you blend them, air gets incorporated into the drink and
if you don't let it sit for a while, then you end up inadvertantly
swallowing alot of air. Just tonight, I forgot this and drank my blended
protein shake... what a mistake... pain in the epigastric area (just below
the breastbone) sometimes, I guess we just need some reminders....
yikes...
— Kari_K
May 7, 2007
I personally have never heard of not using straws post-op. I am just a week
post-op today & when the nurses brought me my first cup of water it was
with a straw so I assume using them is ok. Sorry I could not be of more
help. Jen
— JMerth
May 7, 2007
I use straws... Most everyone in my support group use straws. We are not
supposed to because of controlling the amount og the sip and getting air.
I am very careful to take small sips and swoosh in my mouth before
swallowing. I guess if we gulped it would be bad. I had a hard time
getting all my water in and using a straw for me makes it easier. I let my
doctor know and he was ok with it. Talk to your doctor and be careful.
Best of luck!
Robin
— robinmarra
May 7, 2007
I am three years post op and have been using a straw since surgery. It's
the only way I can drink water. BUT, I use those mini straws. The ones that
some places put in drinks or use as a coffee stirer. Much less gas that the
big ones.
— smparker2
May 7, 2007
i use straws all the time and as long as you dont gulp alot with the straw
i have found that you can in fact use one.
— [Deactivated Member]
May 8, 2007
I also use a straw every day. Nutritionist okayed this after 6 months out.
I chomp down on the straw (for me, this controls the air and liquid flow)
and sip slowly. I drink much more this way. Plus, I've greatly decreased
the hiccups, which are a very common occurrence when I drink from a glass.
— Tigs
May 8, 2007
I do not use a straw because I was told not to.
— Novashannon
May 8, 2007
We were told no straws for 30 days. I often prefer a straw because then
I'm getting liquid from the bottom of the glass, not as much air as in
sips. Just like any kind of eating or drinking, if I get air on board, I
burp. It's been 12.5 yrs. The "no straw at all thing" is a
fairly recent invention to my memory. I often hear amazing things from ppl
who do not actually live with a pouch. I still think patients should write
the instruction manual for post-op life. LOL
— vitalady
May 13, 2007
we don't use straws -- but i'd be more concerned about eating and drinking
at the same time -- we were told not to drink and eat -- you can't get your
food (protein) in if you are full of liquids :)
— RCassety
Click Here to Return