Straws- yeah or nay?!

Ditto!

 First, not all of us go through insurance.  Even my insurance company (which turned out not to cover bariatric surgery) didn't require six months of bariatric classes or 26 weeks of going to classes to learn how to eat right.  

Second, I'm not convinced that anyone needs that much education.  Developing a curriculum for that much education probably leads to the creation of more rules and more misinformation to fill the education time.  

Third, I've read the guidelines of at least four different bariatric programs, and read two consumer books on weight loss surgery.  I have not seen any consistency with the straw issue, much less pre-surgery diets or post-surgery food progression.

Finally, things did not go well for me between the second and third weeks after surgery.   I could not tolerate protein supplements (and I tried about ten of them), much less get my vitamins in.  Full liquids really meant I was subsisting on maybe 200 calories a day.  I was weak and my physician's program did not allow for any leeway.  I started noticing that other people's programs allowed for a few more solid foods, so I decided to progress early to mushies and soft foods.  I immediately felt better.   The point?  People have the right to examine their requirements critically, with an eye towards long-term success.  This is the place that people come to learn what has worked for others, so they can make informed decisions.  Certainly, the idea of stretching your pouch is NOT one that makes any amount of sense to me, for the reasons Kelly stated.  While there are ways to defeat your surgery, I gotta think that a little air isn't going to do it (even if it made any sense that straws would cause you to ingest more air... which it doesn't). 

No reason to be rude. Have you not noticed different doctors have totally different philosophies? There is no one right or wrong answer to anything. It is up to us to do our own research and decide what is best for us. Even people who go to these classes do not know everything.

 like others said, I see no problem in straws; the worst it can do is give you some excess air in your system. In my 6 month pre-op education required by my insurance, I was given the same "rule" but quickly learned post-op that some things are more guidelines than rules and you really just have to do your body justice and listen to what's gonna work best for your body. E.G. I couldn't get my protein shakes in early on WITHOUT a straw!!

 thanks again ladies. My family tends to be the "is that allowed" family, and I have always been "what works without detriment to me or my needs" kinda person. I took the classes, and even following my surgeons guidelines, eveyones plan is different. From fluid to protein to nutritional supplements its all different. They are guidelines and things to watch for. I am so thankful for all of you and your experiences.

 Thank you to all of you for your information.  This is why I come to this sight to learn and realize everything is not written in stone. I won't hesitate to post more questions, and I am seeing now different bariatric surgeons allow different things for their patients.  Again thank you so much!  Jane

Air in the pouch, from what I was told. I use them from time to time. My pouch has not stretched. It has not prevented me from getting to goal or from maintaining.

And feel free to ask questions here. Hearing what other post-ops say and do is helpful, even if you do get the information from your doctor. Also, there seems to be a lot of disagrement on basic things even from doctor to doctor. Always do your research and decide what makes sense to YOU!!

Laura

If I didn't use a straw, I'd either be on home IV or dead.  It's the only way I can drink.  I take in so much air when I sip without a straw, it hurts.  I use a straw with everything I drink.  

 Wow Laura, no need to get all upset and refer to me being rude.  I will say it again.  I have read so many people asking questions after surgery that they should have had the information up front. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree, I was putting out information that I was told by my doctor.  Simple as that.