Gels & 5-Hour Energy

[sleeved080212 46]

Before my surgery I was a distance runner and used Gels (GUs) and 5-hour energy for very long runs. Now, after surgery I have become a distance runner again, but am nervous to use these products because I am one of those that experiences dumping syndrome. The reason I ask is because I run half marathons and there is not really a way to get through that long distance w/ out adding a Gel for carbs/energy, but I am so scared to try for fear of major dumping. Has anyone tried these post surgery?

[SleeveDreamer 383]

Does 5 Hour Energy have alot of sugar and/or caffeine in it? If not, what gives you the boost?

[sleeved080212 46]

5 hr energy has caffeine, b Vitamins and a proprietary blend including niacin but no sugar.

[SleeveDreamer 383]

Caffeine is not recomended after the sleeve since it causes dehyration.

[It's all new 453]

As far as caffeine goes it depends on your doc - mine says as long as you stay hydrated otherwise it is not a problem. I have been enjoying coffee quite happily. That does not mean that because it works for me it will work for you - but like many other issues there isn't a definitive answer.

[SleeveDreamer 383]

Caffeine doesn't bother me either, but I drink Decaf because for some reasom caffeine makes me hungrier!

[Butterthebean 8,146]

There are conflicting studies now about whether or not caffeine really does dehydrate the body.

[aroundhky 1,174]

I've seen the conflicting studies like "Butter" mentioned as well. So I'm not really sure how much it dehydrates me personally. I probably have caffeine 2 or 3 times a week, mostly in the mornings. My Dr says it's ok as long as I don't get carried away with it, so I limit it and try to drink plenty of Water just in case...can't hurt to constantly have water handy. Good luck with the runs! No pun intended.

[O.T.R. sleever 3,386]

I've used 5hr energy & my experience post sleeve is that it takes affect much faster and stronger. It kicks in almost immediately whereas pre sleeve it took about an hr. also I split the bottle into 2 doses now which I didn't do before.

FYI, 5hr energy does make a caffeine free version. It's in a blue bottle.

[sleeved080212 46]

Thanks everyone. I figured the 5-hour energy would just work quicker, although pre-sleeve it did nothing for me. I more interested in finding out if anyone has used Gels since being sleeved b/c those are necessary during a distance run. I drink coffee every single day and I'm not dehydrated; as I work out and need my Water. Now, coffee did not settle w/ me for a while, but now 2 1/2 months post op I have very few issues w/ coffee. But my trick is to mix it w/ MediFast Cappuccino and coffee and I get 14 grams of Protein and Fiber. Can't have my coffee any other way now.

[O.T.R. sleever 3,386]

Thanks everyone. I figured the 5-hour energy would just work quicker' date=' although pre-sleeve it did nothing for me. I more interested in finding out if anyone has used Gels since being sleeved b/c those are necessary during a distance run. I drink coffee every single day and I'm not dehydrated; as I work out and need my Water. Now, coffee did not settle w/ me for a while, but now 2 1/2 months post op I have very few issues w/ coffee. But my trick is to mix it w/ MediFast Cappuccino and coffee and I get 14 grams of Protein and Fiber. Can't have my coffee any other way now.[/quote']

PDX Man said something about them. Maybe he'll show up.