Straws

So awhile back I was in my clinics waiting room with two other women one has a cup with straw.  We were talking so I asked about the straw, because I was told we were not to use straws after surgery both said they had been using straws for along time without issues.  Later that same day I asked and was told a different response than was originally told which was that drinking from a straw would cause painful gas.  Well this time I was told it would stretch a persons pouch.  It has bothered me to hear to different responses from the clinic in that I like to be told the entire truth and do not want to live in fear as fear is not helpful so no I am not drinking from a straw but want to hear what others have to say regarding this issue.

The documentation I have from Humber says straws cause swallowing too much air which equals gas. I didn't read anything about stretching the pouch.

Terri

I agree, we get many mixed messages from centres. You cannot stretch your pouch with using straws, it's physically impossible. You can gave discomfort though. 

Annette 

Hi Jane

I think the straw issue is to prevent taking in too much air early out....and causing discomfort in your pouch.....

I don't understand the clinic indicating you could stretch your pouch....honestly I think that is ridiculous and the type of answer a health care practitioner gives when they don't want to really answer your question....or they just don't know the reason and don't want to appear as if there is nothing they don't know....

I didn't use a straw the first year or so....I use one all the time now.....

For what its worth......use one and just ensure you don't gulp air with it.......for some people its easier to drink their fluids with a straw.....

I have been using a straw for my protein drink since I had my surgery.  I have trouble with the smell of the whey.  No trouble with the straw.

Laurie

Thanks ladies, I'm timid to do things that I have been told not to so for now I will not try but, I like the truth or least consistency, 

I wondered the same thing about straws. I see people coming into the TWH professionally led group meetings with straws in their cups sometimes and I think  wow is this breaking the rules is this not supposed to be a huge bad thing? And if I could use them for my protein shakes they would be a lot easier to get down... right now I'm counting the days until I don't need them anymore.