My doc said no straws too... But I learned that I cannot stomach the smell of protein powders so the use of a straw bypasses the smell. I dont experience any pain but I also am very careful.

My Doc urged caution with straws, because of the extra air issue, but said that if you can use them comfotably then go for it. I've used straws even from early out without problems/pain.

i for some reason swallow alot of air when i sip,,so i tried a straw and they seem to help me not do that and i get more fluid down as well,,so i am a straw user,,but my paperwork says ,,"NO STRAWS",,in big black letters,,,right underneath the "NO CHEWING GUM" rule,,LOL

YAYY this is all really good news because I really think I will miss drinking from a straw!

So the verdict: No straws until a few months out....or until you feel comfortable about it?

DEAL.

Ok, I am going to be "that guy" and try to give my version of a technical explanation why I think straws CAN be okay.  When I use a straw I suck with my mouth and not with my diaphragm.  So this gets fluid in my mouth just like if I wasn't using one.  I think we're banned from using straws in case we use a breath in essence to take in that liquid.  That would be like getting it straight down the pipes and into the tummy.  That's where I can see a problem with air.  Not sure if any of that makes sense, but it is what makes me a straw drinker.  For some reason, with water especially, I just have an easier time getting in my fluid from my favorite watter bottle with attached straw. 

 Dale you live close to my hubbies favorite place on earth....Sarris...lol

And we used the same docs office. DO you go to the group meetings? I am going to go to tomorrows for the first time.

Hah!  I could practically see Sarris from here if it wasn't for the trees and a ginormous hill!  I haven't been to a group meeting yet.  Since about a week out I've been dealing with a nasty nasty flare up of plantar fasciitis in one of my feet so I've been playing it lowkey and really just staying off my feet.  I think I am going to try one though just to see what they're like.  I am still in that phase where I love hearing about how everyone else is doing, what they are going through, how their experience is different than mine, etc...  I think the group meetings would really be interesting because of that.

What did you think about our surgical group?  What did you think of Magee?

 I really like the office. Whenever I need anything Marylynn is always on the ball for me. Magee was a good hospital in my opinon. A couple of the nurses drove me nuts but I requested they leave me alone so. 

What about you? What do you think about them?

I have been really impressed with them.  The first time I walked into room 5300 I was thinking there was no way possible a place with this big of a waiting room could be a good thing.  Wow was I surprised!  Can't believe how fast they get me in and out.  As far as the hospital stay my only complaint was the nurses at night.  I'll be flat out honest and say I think they were worthy of termination.  Contrast that with my nurse during the day who I even told her she did such a good job I'd build my own hospital and she'd be my first hire.  She made the time fly by because she was so friendly and attentive. 

The no straw rule was the first rule I broke!    I started very early out to get Isopure drinks down because I was not getting nearly enough protein.   My surgeon didn't give any reason for no straws, but I assume it's the air thing....I don't take in any air with a straw so had no problems (and still use it daily)