Question:
2 questions

Hi everyone- I have 2 questions: 1) I have read that post-op, you shouldn't drink from a straw because you swallow too much air. My question is, are the sports-type water bottles okay to drink from? (Too bad Playtex doesn't make an air-resistant adult bottle for post-ops, LOL). My second question is about sugar free hard candy- After sugery, in the hospital, everyone talks about dry-mouth, sore throat, etc. I understand because I had the "tube" down my throat for minor surgery a few years ago and had that sensation. I found sugar-free Wal-mart (Great Value Brand) Lemon drops, made with Splenda. They have 3.25 gr carbohydrates per 1 piece of candy. The main ingredient is "isomalt", which I've not heard of. Are these candies ok in the hospital to relieve the scratchy throat from the tube? They say on the package "Excessive consumption may cause a laxative effect.......wouldn't want that with leg binders on! Is there something better to relieve the scratchy throat? Thanks, Mea    — Mea A. (posted on May 20, 2003)

May 20, 2003
I did not listen about the straws, bad girl I am lol I still drink out of straws and sport bottles b/c I have a hard time sipping without them and when I take normal drinks I gulp in so much air that my stomach hurts. As for the SF candy, yes you can have them(I buy them alot), but check with your Doctor to see if they will let you have them in the hospital.Good luck!!!
   — Sandy M.

May 20, 2003
Sugar Free Candy (Immediately Post-Op for dry mouth): NO! Your Dr. doesn't want ANYTHING going down your throat that can be avoided. Wait for the OK to drink water first. ASK your Dr. Also, you definitely don't want to take the chance of swallowing the Hard Candy that soon after surgery.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 20, 2003
Stay away from the candy it sounds like it has sugar alcohol....most Dr's require you to be NPO(nothing by mouth) for the first 24 hours after surgery anyway. The hospital provides you with a swab that is moistened with something that tastes remotely like citrus and is especially made for dry mouth. If the nurses dont give it to you ask. Those are the only thing that saved me from a scratchy dry throat. Good luck to you. Wendi Open RNY 9/19/02 down 123lbs
   — lovemonterey

May 20, 2003
I don't see a problem with drinking from the sports bottles as long as you drink slowly...anytime you gulp anything down, even from a regular glass, you're going to swallow air. As far as the candy goes...my doctor wouldn't have allowed it... I have just recently tried these candies and that "laxative" effect happens for me after just one or two (wasn't that way pre-op). That's the LAST thing you want to have going on right out of surgery...they'll let you have some ice to hold in your mouth if you ask. I had to spit out the water for the first day. I would strongly advise against taking the candy. Even if your doctor does allow it, you don't want to deal with that "laxative effect".
   — Amy W.

May 20, 2003
I don't remember a time in my life that I haven't used a straw before or after surgery (mainly because I have braces) I love my straws and have not had any problems. My aunt (RNY 2 years post-op) on the other hand hardly ever uses straws and when she does use straws she seems to have problems with the air. I think it may be one of those things where everyone is different.
   — Melanie S.

May 20, 2003
Sports bottles and straws are okay. In fact I use a sports bottle so I slow down and don't drink too fast. I don't get a lot of air. SF hard candy - no go until you have a leak test and an okay from the surgeon, and I would stay away from it,too, because of the sugar alcohols. I didn't have a sore throat, but my outh was dry the forst night after surgery. I was able to brush my teeth and rinse my mouth when I got to my room, and that helped more than anything.
   — koogy