Caffeine - must it be gone forever?

[cindym44 75]

I am understanding that I cannot ever have caffeine again. Why? I just love iced tea (with splenda, of course) but have not been drinking it. I was hoping to be able to resume my love for iced tea again after surgery. May I do this?

[Dub 9,922]

I have unsweetened tea a couple times a week and coffee every day.

No issues.

[Janey B 28]

My NUT said that caffeine has a dehydrating effect so they don't want you to drink it post op, at least for a few months. I figure I will give it up until I'm fully healed and eating regular food again and then try it. I know people who have the sleeve and after 6 months or so have no issues with caffeine.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[beyondgrief 93]

I began to drink caffeine after about week 4. I did not before because it acts as a dehydrating agent (diuretic) but I'm exceptionally hydrated and am having no issues drinking Water, so it doesn't cause me problems. Now, I drink a non-carbonated caffeine source every day (tea, Spark).

Edited September 13, 2016 by beyondgrief

[JamieLogical 8,708]

My NUT said that caffeine has a dehydrating effect so they don't want you to drink it post op, at least for a few months. I figure I will give it up until I'm fully healed and eating regular food again and then try it. I know people who have the sleeve and after 6 months or so have no issues with caffeine.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This is a myth and has been debunked by the mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/caffeinated-drinks/faq-20057965

I was allowed caffeine beginning at 30 days post op. Different surgeons and nutritionists have different guidelines regarding all sorts of things. I encourage you to follow those guidelines in the early months post-op, during which you are getting to know your sleeve and learning new habits, but ultimately YOU are the one who has to live the rest of your life. You need to figure out what works for you and what you can live with long term.

[TheRev 235]

I JUST posted this same question (basically) in the post-op forum. It's kind of a big deal to me...

[LoveAlwaysKia 37]

I drink caffeine. Not a lot but a cup of joe when I really need it. (Im a teacher)

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[gina171 626]

I am understanding that I cannot ever have caffeine again. Why? I just love iced tea (with splenda, of course) but have not been drinking it. I was hoping to be able to resume my love for iced tea again after surgery. May I do this?

A really great, full-bodied Decaf tea is the British brand Ty-Phoo Decaf, you can buy it on Amazon. My husband is British and this is the only decaf tea I've found with full floor, it tastes just like regular tea. It's quite strong.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited September 13, 2016 by gina171

[Christinamo7 4,042]

I was allowed it after my one month post op check. caffeine allows me to use my grown up manners.

[Bufflehead 6,358]

As has been noted above, the idea that caffeine will dehydrate you is a myth. There may be other reasons to give it up, but if someone tells you it is to avoid dehydration, push back and make them show you the published, peer-reviewed, scientific studies backing their claim up (hint: they can't).

In fact, coffee is just as hydrating as Water is.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/06/30/milk-and-other-surprising-ways-to-stay-hydrated/

I've used coffee as my main source of hydration, or at least a significant source of hydration, for just about my entire life, and am perfectly hydrated and healthy. I've probably drunk 25 gallons of coffee for every quart of plain water I've ever consumed, and yet here I am, alive and posting, not withered and dead.

I've reached goal and lost about 200 lbs, sipping black coffee all along the way. I do not suffer from acid reflux or any other disorder that might allegedly be tied to coffee/caffeine consumption.

Plus, I haven't murdered anyone, which I also chalk up to my coffee keeping me happy

Edited September 13, 2016 by Bufflehead

[TheRev 235]

Plus, I haven't murdered anyone, which I also chalk up to my coffee keeping me happy

That's probably the "plus" you should have led with. Talk about burying the lede.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

I really think a lot of plans say no coffee just because most people put ton of calories and junk into their coffee. So they just say no trying to cut those calories.

Caffeine keeps me sharp for my profession. Even when I didnt drink coffee right after surgery, I took caffeine pills.

I told my Dr I wasn't giving up coffee or caffeine. He talked to me about how I drink my coffee and why, and we agreed it was okay.

[kimini 175]

In my booklet, it not only says you can have coffee and tea, but that they count toward my daily Water goals. They strongly encourage drinking tea, but limit coffee to 2 cups, I think because it's acidic.

[KristenLe 5,979]

We are told no caffeine and the reason had to do with it supposedly interfering with Calcium and Vitamin absorption. I don't drink alot of coffee but I am an iced tea person. I will decide what to do post-op.

[miamomma 23]

I need my caffeine. I am not a big coffee drinker, but drink the various crystal light flavors that contain caffeine. It actually helps me meet my water/fluid goals (I mix the packet in water). I can't stand to drink plain Water since surgery and the crystal light helps me drink more Fluid (and the caffeine helps me live my life like a reasonably sane human).