caffeine question

Does anyone know the specefics behind why caffeine is a bad thing? I do know that it is a natural diuretic so you have to drink more water to compensate for it, but are there any other reasons why most surgeons say no to it? Just curious because I do miss my morning cup of coffee and I know some post-ops do it and don't have probs. Thanks in advance for any info/help Angel RNY 2/3/04 148 since surgery / 198 total

Before WLS I was on a low-carb diet for awhile (it worked pretty well - until I binged on cookies, but I digress. . .). Anyway, the "theory" behind the caffeine is that it causes a spike in the blood sugar, almost like eating sugar/carbs does, then later comes the crash. I don't think it is as pronounced as the sugar/carb spike/crash, but it is there. It also initiates an insulin reaction. That said, I am a firm believer in moderation. A little coffee now & then isn't going to be a killer. I rarely drink caffeine because it makes me have problems sleeping. I do have a "real" cup of tea once in awhile, and sometimes I order iced tea when I'm out. Usually though, I stick to the CF stuff, especially at home. Hope this helps. Ann in Duluth

Angel, I am a coffee and Diet Coke drinker, have been since way before my surgery. When I was about 8 weeks post op, I saw my dietician, and asked her about when I can go back to these. She told me that I could do it in moderation. She said that the reason that they tell people not to consume them is because people won't get in enough water as well. I am 2 years out and I drink about 4 cups of coffee a day, and have usually one 12oz Diet coke a day, and still manage about 48-64 oz of water. I have a big 32oz cup that I take with me all around the house, where I go it goes, and I sip all day. I am not saying that this will work for everyone, but it works for me... Good Luck, Cathy Martin

It's a diuretic..it makes you pee. You have to almost double your daily water intake to make up what it depletes from your system.

Hi Angel... I chatted with a guy on another board, that had gotten an ulcer in his pouch, and they think it was from caffeine. I was shocked to hear that...which made me INSTANTLY stop breaking the rules (about the only one I was breaking) and no more Starbucks... I really miss it at work also... -Tami

Thank you so much for the input & advice. I was such a caffeine & soda junkie prior to surgery & fortunately I have not missed the soda part but do get the urge for my coffee (especially with the cold weather coming on - I guess it is just soothing). Oh well, I surely don't want to take a chance on an ulcer - so I will have to tough it out *sigh* Thanks again for your help Angel