devastating ulcer

[AZhiker 2,253]

I work in the GI department of a hospital. Today we had a patient who was 14 years post gastric bypass. She looked great, but had started having pain in her upper abdomen. She had also started drinking alcohol fairly regularly. The endoscopic exam revealed a horrific ulcer at the jejunum-gastric anastomosis. I have seen other post bypass patients with ulcers and erosions at the anastomosis, but hers was the worst by far. I do not want to offend anyone, but seeing the damage done by becoming a bit careless or overconfident, even years after surgery, was enough for me to commit to NEVER touch alcohol, and certainly never to smoke. I will not drink coffee again, either. I had surgery to improve my health and I never want to risk it by slipping into any habit or vice that could do damage to tissues that obviously remain more fragile for many years, if not forever. To anyone who cares to listen, please heed your doctor's instructions when he/she tells you not to drink, smoke, or eat/drink particular items. There really is a good reason, and what I saw on the endoscope today really brought that reality home.

[Losingit2018 1,170]

I agree with all of your points except for coffee. I drink 1 cup of low or no acid coffee each day. I feel safe with this and do not intend to give up my one cup of coffee per day. Always best to follow drs orders.

interesting info on coffee consumption

https://www.coffeeandhealth.org/topic-overview/coffee-and-disorders-of-the-stomach/

Edited July 24, 2019 by Losingit2018

[AZhiker 2,253]

37 minutes ago, Losingit2018 said:

I agree with all of your points except for coffee. I drink 1 cup of low or no acid coffee each day. I feel safe with this and do not intend to give up my one cup of coffee per day. Always best to follow drs orders.

interesting info on coffee consumption

https://www.coffeeandhealth.org/topic-overview/coffee-and-disorders-of-the-stomach/

I didn't know there was low acid coffee. That's great news!

[catwoman7 11,223]

a lot of surgeons don't seem to have an issue with coffee (some do, though). The smoking and alcohol restrictions seem to be pretty universal, though.

[GreenTealael 25,446]

I agree. I even gave up coffee permanently this round just to be safe.

Edited July 24, 2019 by GreenTealael

[GradyCat 3,696]

I don't smoke or drink. I didn't know coffee was a problem.

[Losingit2018 1,170]

26 minutes ago, GradyCat said:

I don't smoke or drink. I didn't know coffee was a problem.

Some drs Instruct their patients to give it up and others say it’s fine.

I had the bravo acid test a few weeks back. While I was wearing the monitor I could see what different foods/drinks would increase acid. So I tried a regular full acid cup of coffee just to see. My acid levels were actually lower while I drank the coffee.

There is a ton of research out there dispelling the myth that coffee increases stomach acid. I encourage people to talk to their drs and do some research on the subject.

Edited July 24, 2019 by Losingit2018

[Losingit2018 1,170]

7 hours ago, AZhiker said:

I didn't know there was low acid coffee. That's great news!

Yes I get mine from Amazon. Lucy joes or Pureroast. I know that the bp store here sells some as well.

[AZhiker 2,253]

Because I already have had a Barrett's polyp, with gastritis and Barrett's esophagus, I am super sensitive to the acid issue. Interestingly, I switched to Decaf before surgery so I wouldn't go through caffeine withdrawal. After surgery, I just lost my taste for it completely. I actually tried a bit about a week ago and it tasted awful - not anything like coffee is supposed to taste. Green tea (decaf) , however, tastes sweet now. Funny.

I have to say that giving up caffeine, as well as sugar (risk of dumping), has resulted in me having very steady energy and mood levels throughout the day. I wake up full of energy, have no afternoon slump, and feel great. No ups and downs. It has been a pleasant reward for having given up two things I really enjoyed in the past.

[froufrou 678]

I can't give up coffee!! 😱

[Losingit2018 1,170]

6 hours ago, AZhiker said:

Because I already have had a Barrett's polyp, with gastritis and Barrett's esophagus, I am super sensitive to the acid issue. Interestingly, I switched to Decaf before surgery so I wouldn't go through caffeine withdrawal. After surgery, I just lost my taste for it completely. I actually tried a bit about a week ago and it tasted awful - not anything like coffee is supposed to taste. Green tea (decaf) , however, tastes sweet now. Funny.

I have to say that giving up caffeine, as well as sugar (risk of dumping), has resulted in me having very steady energy and mood levels throughout the day. I wake up full of energy, have no afternoon slump, and feel great. No ups and downs. It has been a pleasant reward for having given up two things I really enjoyed in the past.

You might be surprised to find out that really good coffee is almost non existent these days. It has been really hard for us to find something that tastes good. The low acid varieties are about the only ones thAt we really like.