Coffee

 I know we are supposed to drink decaf coffee but I'm still clinging to regular coffee with protein powder with a little cream, sweetner and lots of milk. Is there a really big deal to have a couple of cups a day. Gave up everything else but this.

I was never told not to drink coffee, so I never stopped. Surgery was 9 years ago, no issues from caffeine so far. ;)

As per the recommendation of my Centre (I'm out of Ottawa), I gave up caffeinated coffee six months prior to surgery and didn't go bac****il about 1 year after surgery.  At my one year appointment, Nurse Practitioner told me it was okay to have it in moderation -- like 1 or 2 cups a day, but to watch my intake carefully, and that if I experienced any problems, to stop.  In particular, they worry about the development of ulcers.  So far so good, and I'm two and half years out.

DD

I was told that caffeine is really hard on the stomach and that drinking it in the months after surgery puts you at a much higher risk of ulcers and digestive issues.  You may be able to tolerate it now, but there is the possibility that you may find down the road that you have done damage to your pouch. I was a coffee addict - 8 to 10 large a day but have made the change to decaf or licorice tea (gives energy but to be used carefully if you are hyper tensive).  I had ulcers and severe GERD due to caffeine use in my old tummy and cant risk it.  That being said, everyone makes their own choices and I wish you the best

just started drinking it at my 4 month post op

That seems to be a fairly new rule as in the last 4 years or so.  Prior to that, there was no limit on any non-calorie drinks.  I have been drinking real coffee since day after surgery and that was almost 10 years ago.  If I were to have issues with my stomach, I may give it up but they'd have to prove to me it was the caffeine causing it.

I am out of Ottawa and they told me not to drink coffee, and I was a coffee addict before now I drink maybe small decaf and usually don't even finish that, but reading everyone else, I might go back to coffee but in moderation. Although has been almost a year since had one, so can imagine I will probably be climbing the walls.  Lol 

I was told not to drink caffeine because it can be dehydrating and early out if is hard to get all your water in. I drank decaf for the first month post op. As far as coffee hurting your stomach and causing ulcers I was unable to find any scientific prove that it can hurt in anyway. I know its empty calories but I feel I can afford them I now use sweetener and milk. I was very concerned with this pre op and gave up all caffeine, suffering from a 4 day headache from the withdraw. The thing that made you say f*ck it was on my meal plan from Humber under drinks is Nestea Zero and it is full of caffeine and when I asked why it was ok and coffee wasn't no one had an answer. I drink 1-2 a day cups a day. Best wishes with your journey.

Take Care

Lisa

I love all these comments.  I'm a coffee addict too.  I'm so glad to hear that this no caffeine is fairly new and that many of you are experiencing no problems while drinking it.  I was told to reduce my caffeine and to eventually eliminate it.  I too am worried about the major withdrawal.  I have cut down from an xllrg to a large from Tim's, but I think I might just stop there, unless I have issues of course.

Now, what to tell the dietician when they ask. 

Of course you tell her you now drink a large DECAF every morning and that the decaf actually tastes great and that you are surprised with how satisfying a DECAF really is and ask if the amount of caffeine that is in the decaf will be ok post op. I wish we could be 100% honest with the dieticians but unfortunately if you are it could really delay this process. I did drink a small post op[ for and week or so then med. because that was all I had room for but by 2 month I was able to drink an XL again. Post- op I would tell the whole post-op care team that you drink coffee so if something ever went wrong they know everything about you but not pre op. Just my opinion for what its worth.

Take Care

Lisa