are straws that bad?

sometimes i forget when i'm out and order water or something i start drinkin from a straw and then i realize and stop. i never had any issues. i am just wondering if anyone uses straws still even after surgery. i heard it's only bad because it can cause air/gas in your stomach but i haven't had issues

My doctor said it can make you drink faster (gulp) and can cause gas as well as fill you up quicker.  I'm told if it doesnt bother you then use them.  I sometimes find it makes me burp but I burp more when I'm not using a straw - I seem to gulp more!

Ditto, What she said!

ditto what she said....  my doc said if I don't have issues with them I can use them.  I also do not have problems taking bigger sips (gulps) so that may make a difference.

The problem with straws to twofold. One you swallow air and two most people drink fast and will choke. I personally drink with one but I have to suck, remove straw from mouth, swallow...repeat as needed. If I just suck swallow, suck swallow etc I get massive gas pain or I throw up from drinking too fast. I have never been told it will stretch the pouch because water is the ultimate slider food.

Hmmm...that might explain why when I drink my water, my gut hurts!!  I honestly didn't think about it that way!!

Gee, ya learn so much when you get to talking to people who are going through what you go through!!  It's so nice to have all the feedback from all your fellow WLS peeps.

Thanks!!
Melz

Some people find that they drink too fast (and that causes pain) if they use a straw, and some people find that they get too much air in their pouch. MANY of us had no trouble using straws from only a few weeks out, however.  Some of us (me, included) actually found that it was the only way to get in ENOUGH fluids and helped us drink down a protein shake that had a nasty smell.

If it doesn't cause you pain or make you burp, don't worry about it.

Lora

I actually drink water better with a straw. I get more down and it seems to be less gas than normal. I don't know why. But it doesn't bother me at all so I do it.

No, straws are not so bad.  As a matter of fact listening to the no straw rule kept me miserable for months.  Then I discovered that it was the foam on top of my protein drinks that felt like a brick in my pouch.  Using a straw so I dreaw liquid from below rather than swallow the bubbles on top made all the difference for me.  I say heed your docs advice but if the straw is what works let your doc know. 

thanks everyone!