Question:
Does anyone drink regular coffee (with caffeine)?

I have heard that you shouldn't drink coffee or carbonated beverages? Why? I am 10 mo. postop (down 100lbs), but today I just had to have a cup of coffee and lately I have had a few diet pepsi's. Not often, but sometimes I just get a taste for them. Why can't we have them?    — Kay W. (posted on January 7, 2003)


January 6, 2003
Kay, I don't know why some Dr.'s ay no to these things. I drink coffee every morning and have had not trouble with it. I do not drink many diet drinks but that is because they make me burp too much. My Dr. says they are fine but suggest Diet Riet.(no aspartame) I hope this helps. (7 months post op open rny -114)
   — Sandy T.

January 6, 2003
I strictly limit myself to no more than 10 cups per day, lol. Seriously, I drink at least 4 lg. Dunkin Donut-sized coffees every day and that makes up the majority of what I drink each day. I drink soda sparingly for no other reason than it doesn't feel great in my pouch. I say if you're feeling good and your getting the results you're having (congrats, by the way) than you should try to live your life as normally as possible and that includes a drink of soda if that's what you want. Just my opinion. - Mike
   — Michael N.

January 6, 2003
my doc said that caffeine has been shown to slow weight loss in some patients. so he recommended not drinking it until you have reached your goal. but i was like you,,and just had to have my coffee. and diet pepsi, which before surgery i couldn't stand diet pepsi,only diet coke. since surgery, opposite has occurred. so keep up the good work,, you are doing great sounds like.
   — GARLYN P.

January 6, 2003
My doc had no restrictions regarding pop or coffee. I do have 3 cups of coffee a day. Once in a while I do have a diet coke too. It is important to remember that caffiene is a diuretic though, and to increase our water intake accordingly. I don't count anything with caffeine in it towards my daily liquid intake total. Best wishes in your process.
   — Heather N.

January 6, 2003
The caffeine leaches calcium from our bones and teeth, calcium that we already may not be getting enough of. I do drink 1/2 a cup a day, as I feel I need the caffeine to function. I had to give up Diet coke, does not taste good or sit well in the pouch. But my doc discourages the use. I think also, caffeine stimulated hunger. I know the artificial sweetener does if you use it.
   — Kristy J.

January 7, 2003
In the beginning soda makes some people feel yucky and gassy. I was never a big soda drinker, but I will have one occasionally. But, caffeine? NOBODY better even try to take away my morning coffee! It's just NOT going to happen! I can't even function without my coffee first, then my shower and then, of course, my protein shake. LOL
   — Leslie F.

January 7, 2003
I do drink coffee, about 2-3 cups a day. I make sure I put my nonfat dry milk in it so I do get my protein with it! *wink wink* I don't drink carbonated beverages because there is some talk that they will stretch your pouch and that the acids in the carbonation are bad for the staples. Proven? Not yet, but I don't want to take the chance. Plus, I used to drink at least 3 Dr Peppers (not the sugar free kind, either) a day and I don't need the extra calories. To me it's just a good excuse to break a bad habit. You see that I've turned the coffee into a good habit now--I get an extra 15 or so grams of protein a day out of that!
   — ctyst

January 7, 2003
I have also heard about the carbonation stretching your pouch. As far as the caffiene goes, I think they want you to stay away from it because it can increase the chance of dehydration. I still drink coffee but I usually stick to decaf. I do on occasion have regular coffee though. But when I do, I seem to get a headache from the caffeine anyway. So for me I only indulge with the caffinated coffee once in a while. I have also heard that in some people, the caffiene can irritate the lining of your stomach. And that is in normal people. So I just try to stay away from it normally. Rumours or not I would rather not take the chance. But that is just my opinion. I do know lot's of post-ops that drink both all the time and don't have a problem. So who knows. I hope that helps.
   — Laurel C.

January 7, 2003
Kay, I drink coffee the "Real" stuff all the time, I mean I need it, with out it, it's jsut not the same, I don't how-ever drink anything carbinated, I stay away from that. I drink about ok 20 oz of coffee a day, with non dairy creamer and sweet n low....... I figured I gave up everything yet I still need my caffiene, How-ever I do get head-aches when I drink to much, Like right now..... slurp ! I'm post op 7 months and down 109 pounds 30 POUNDS TO GOAL
   — tannedtigress

January 7, 2003
I'm not so sure about caffeine robbing you of calcium, I've never heard of that. I'd like to fancy myself an expert on caffeine, since I own a coffee house. So, if the person who posted that has some data- I'd like to know about it. What I am sure about is this- caffeine is generally a no-no because it is dehydrating to the body (in any form- not just coffee). Soda, as I understand it is a no-no for most because of the effect the gasses may have on your new tummy as well as caffeine. I understand that some people do fine with soda after they are further post op. I also drink coffee, however, I do so with abandon, when I want it! I just make sure I up my fluid intake of non-caf. beverages to make up for it. My advice would be do what makes you happy- within the parameters of what your surgoen advises. If you do drink coffee- watch out for the calories in those extras (i.e. cream!) Good luck to you.
   — LMCLILLY

January 7, 2003
I have both everyday.
   — Danmark

January 7, 2003
Many recent studies have rebutted the current theory that "caffeine is bad for you because it dehydrates." Those studies have found that the diuretic effect is very minor or negligiable as compared to the benefit of the liquid intake. I won't get into the caffeine debate since you can do a search of the internet, find the studies and make up your own mind. Whether you drink caffeinated beverages or just water, you should look at your urine as an indicator of hydration - if it is not clear or pale yellow then you are needing more liquids. <p> Take Care, Be Well, Be Happy!
   — John T.




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