Past, current, and future Jaw Surgery patients Unite!
Emily
Member
Hey guys!
I'm almost 4 weeks post-op and I'm going to completely banded shut for another 3 weeks. I've been straining soups and drinking them with a cup the past couple weeks. I was wondering how easy it was for others to use a straw and if it's safe for me to be using a straw at this point.
My lower stitches and most of my upper stitches have dissolved, though I can't really create great suction yet.
Thanks!
beckyb89
Member
Hey, Emily!
I'll be 4 weeks post-op on Tuesday, so it looks like we're right around the same spot. I was only completely banded shut the first week after my surgery and now I'm allowed to take the rubber bands off 3 times a day to eat soft foods. I see my surgeon at least once a week just to make sure everything's going all right and I remember asking him one or two appointments ago if I was allowed to use a straw. He said yes, provided I don't stick the straw between my upper and lower teeth. Basically, as long as I just stick the straw in my mouth in front of my teeth, I'm good to go. (Since you're banded shut, that won't even be an issue for you.)
Most of my stitches are not dissolvable, so the incisions in my mouth still hurt a little when I smile too wide or when I suck too hard on a straw, so I really don't use them too often. I had a milkshake a few days ago through a straw and, of course, that required more effort and a little more discomfort than just drinking Coke through a straw. It's a little bit of an adventure trying to find a good technique, but once you get it, it really can be much more convenient.
You probably want to double check with your surgeon, though, before you do anything. I would hate to think that my advice ended up causing you and trouble or pain. Good luck!
Becky
LadyMacMaribel
Member
Hey Emily! :) Using a straw will get easier. As far as it being safe, you should consult with your surgeon! but mine said it was safe for me :p
vince
Member
I find it easier to use a syringe cos I won't need to suck. sucking is tiring for me at the moment - 13 days post-op.
SamIAm
Member
I am 9 days post-op. I wish I could use a staw (not that I can an suction at the moment). I am not banded up... yet. So I mostly drink things out of a cup. I'm not sure if a syringe will work for me. I think I would make a mess of myself.
Vince, do you ever make a mess of things with a syringe?
vince
Member
I only made a mess with the syringe a few times because it got "stuck" and I pushed too hard.
I cannot blow or suck very well because my teeth are wired shut. The air passage way is blocked so using a straw is out for me.
SamIAm
Member
LOL. That sounds like something I would do. ...Have done. I found that using a syringe is really helpful with cleaning my teeth and my fingers slip and get water all over myself. At least it's just water.
I guess you can't use a straw. That has to be fusterating. I got great news today that I can start using a straw in 1 more week.
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