Caffeine post op?

[tobhappy&healthy 50]

Hi, I'm 6 weeks post op (35 lbs lighter) & just this week had my first Decaf coffee. I'd much rather have regular coffee but I'm not sure why I was instructed decaf coffee & tea only. I was a regular coffee & unsweetened brewed iced tea drinker prior to vsg but I'm afraid I'll sabotage myself if I resume drinking them. I'm having a terrible time with Water (tastes gross post op) & think if I could drink an unsweetened iced tea or 2 I'd meet my Fluid goal easier. Any advise?

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[AvaFern 3,516]

At 6-week post-op, you're fine to drink regular coffee. They tell you to avoid caffeine post-op because it can irritate your healing stomach, because they don't want you drinking regular soda and "no caffeine" is a good way to help minimize the calories, and because caffeinated beverages are often diuretics and you need to make sure you don't end up dehydrated.

I drink sugar free Red Bull for Breakfast every morning and then diet dr. pepper and crystal light all day. I need the fizz and Water is boring. I drink cold coffee, mostly because I like milk and fake sugar more than I like coffee. Black coffee still burns my stomach and it's been three years since I had surgery, although if I remember correctly, my stomach didn't like it before surgery either.

So...medically you're fine to drink caffeine, you just want to be sure that you aren't drinking sugary beverages and consuming your calories in liquids, that you aren't getting dehydrated, and that your coffee doesn't bother your stomach, in which case, give it a little more time.

[Armygalbonnie 643]

I thought you couldn't have diet sodas ever again after surgery, because the carbonation will expand your stomach? Am I wrong about this?

[tobhappy&healthy 50]

Thanks for the info.. That was informative! I use Splenda/sweet n' low in my coffee & unsweetened ice tea & I don't drink soda. So i guess I should be ok with the caffeine then. You are 3 years out? How is life post vsg? Would you mind sharing your stats with me?

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[cindyw41 761]

I thought you couldn't have diet sodas ever again after surgery, because the carbonation will expand your stomach? Am I wrong about this?

Carbonation will cause bloating and discomfort in some and be more noticeable because of how small our stomachs are.

I have tried soda post surgery and do not like the feeling at all. I have a few sips and that cures my desire. Well before the amount to cause that sensation.

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