Question:
I had Lapband surgery in May 2007 is it true you can never
drink out of a straw? Also I had my 1st fill and I can't tell any difference. My doctor said if it's not enough he will do another fill in 3 weeks. — kbcelliott (posted on July 23, 2007)
July 23, 2007
My husband also had Lap-band in May 2007 and his first fill was the same
way. He couldn't tell adifference at all and then after his second fill he
could tell for about two or three days but then it wasn't a big deal. He
goes in for his third fill next week. I think the deal with the straw is
you can fill up to easy and not ,know it before it's to late. My husband
uses a straw sometimes but does well just taking sips.
Good Luck and HAPPY WEIGHT LOSS!
— Lost4Ever
July 23, 2007
They say that the straw will put extra air into the pouch and it can
stretch.Why would we want to chance that?
— Sandy Hanson
July 23, 2007
Sucking in a little extra air through a straw will not stretch your pouch;
air passes through unless you have an obstruction, and it that's the case,
you have more problems than just drinking through a straw!
— koogy
July 23, 2007
about sretching the pouch my surgeon says it will,so if you are told this
why would you take the chance of doing it?
— Sandy Hanson
July 23, 2007
I DRINK THRU A STRAW, NO PROBEM, ITS THE ONLY WAY FOR ME TO GET IN ENOUGH
LIQUIDS. I JUST DON'T DRINK RIGHT BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER MEALS.
— MAYROSE
July 23, 2007
My first fill made very little difference, however, by the time I had my
3rd, we found the "magic" number and haven't needed another
since. You will find the fill that finally kicks in and works really great
for you, but it's a good thing it's all done gradually otherwise, I don't
think I would have ever learned to keep the food down. As far as the straw
goes, I heard of the air stretching the pouch too. I have no idea if it's
true, but I have no NEED to drink from a straw, so why should I?
— Debra R.
July 24, 2007
Hi Kim. Drinking from a straw introduces air along with fluid and causes
gas and pain. For some people this is very difficult and painful, and can
stretch your pouch when you are trying to protect it's size. I don't know
how that related to the lap band so much because the drink goes right down
your hole to the lower stomach. I am an rny patient, and I know drinking
through straws for some is not possible. It is not the case for me
however, I will drink more with a straw than I will from a glass, and I
don't seem to have a lot of problems with it. I am careful and drink just
a few sips at a time or a few gulps at a time and then I wait to be sure I
have not consumed too much air, but I like the straw personally. I think
it works for some but not for others, but I also think you should wait 6
months to a year to try it out. Protect that pouch as long as possible, I
am 3 years post op:) Take care, Patricia P.
— Patricia P
July 24, 2007
This is one of those things that some doctors swear by and others never
mention. I personally didn't hear of this one until like 3 years after my
surgery. I wonder if it's some RNY information getting passed off to Band
patients .. that does happen, but hopefully less now that the Band is
growing in popularity. I've *been* drinking through a straw, but if your
surgeon says not to, best do as he says.
Re: the fills .. they say the third one's the charm, and it was so for me.
When you get to your "sweet spot", you will know. It's like
falling in love .. nobody can describe it, you have to experience it for
yourself. ;)
Good luck.
— Jeanie
July 24, 2007
Drinking with a straw pulls more air into your pouch. The concern is that
you might stretch the pouch.
For most band patients, it takes 3-5 fills to get the right restriction.
This varies based on the type of band and the person so there is no
absolute answer on how many fills you need. I know of very few people who
feel the restriction with only one fill though.
— VickiStevens
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