Question:
Does caffein cause a bigger problem after surgery than before?
I'd love to know whether post-ops experience any intensified negative reactions to caffein. From searching the data base on coffee it looks like many are tolerating coffee well - what about tea and caffeinated drinks or food in general? — Carol M. (posted on June 10, 1999)
June 10, 1999
Hi...I was told by my surgeon that caffeine can inhibit, or
reduce the absorption of vitamins/minerals/nutrients into
the body. Since any of the weight loss surgeries that
involve bypassing some of the intestine put a person at risk
for nutritional deficiencies, you don't want to do anything
to reduce the amount you can absorb. I am drinking mostly
decaffienated iced tea that I brew every day, water, and a
very small amounts of skim milk.
— Laura M.
June 10, 1999
Caffeine doesn't bother me. I can do coffee. Don't do
soft drinks because even diet is too sweet now, and the
carbonation doesn't sit well.
— dboat
June 10, 1999
I was told by my doctor to avoid caffeine after the surgery. Caffeine
stimulates gastric juices. The juices in the unused portion of the stomach,
being overly-activated can cause an ulcer. If you have a staple line, the
addition acid produced from the caffeine may erode the staple line. This
is what I was told and I don't drink coffee anymore (WHAAAA WHAAAA). I can
give up the sugar but the caffeine... I almost cancelled the surgery...
Just kidding.
— Deborah L.
June 10, 1999
Drink all the coffee you want except when taking your vitamins. Also the
same goes for tea too. I have been told through my support group that the
oils produced from tea and coffee will flush out the vitamin B-12 and will
not be absorbed. Drink your coffee first in the morning then wait at least
15 minutes before taking your vitamins. Best to drink water with them.
— Lorraine R.
June 11, 1999
I've had no problems with caffeine. I avoided diet soda after surgery
because I really honestly don't think it is good for me, but as I type
this, I drink some! I was drinking Iced tea with nutrasweet. No problems
at all. The only thing that I notice is the addiction to the diet coke. I
swear there is something addictive in there. Once you start, it is hard to
stop, and it isn't the caffeine, because I'm not this way with regular
soda, or teas....only DIET COKE! Wierd!
— PollyAnna F.
June 11, 1999
I loved coffee before surgery but have been unable to stand it since. I've
tried both decaf and reg and each time I was unable to get past the first
sip,they also cased stonach upset. I'm 2 1/2 months post surgery.
— Anna D.
June 11, 1999
I do not have any problems with coffee...tea...or any caffinated drinks. I
know that chocolate has caffien in it, and that tends to make me feel yucky
.. but it has all of the no no's combined into one, fat, chocolate and
sugar.
Good Luck
Mary Anne
— Mary Anne M.
September 24, 1999
My Doctor told me that everybody respond differently to caffiene. So, they
tell everyone to leave it alone. I personally have no trouble with it. But,
carbonated beverages are killers. I had my ryn 7/13/99.
— Judy H.
February 1, 2000
My doctor recommends avoiding caffeine because it is hard on your stomach
(and we don't have much of one left.) Also, he said caffeine is an
appetite stimulant. In avoid anything that may be harmful to my stomach
such as aspirin, carbonated drinks, and caffeine.
— Lori P.
February 1, 2000
I find that I have a hard time with caffeine. It causes a lot of extra
stomach acid as well as swelling. I have no problems with things like
chocolate, however soda's and coffee must be decaffeinated. Some of your
pain relievers contain caffeine, so check labels. They cause stomach upset.
It also plays havoc with your insulin levels making it harder to lose
weight. I hope that I have helped and good luck.
— Juli T.
Click Here to Return