Caffeine question

Hopefully within the next month or so my surgery will be scheduled.  My question is this, why does caffeine need to be eliminated?  I am (unfortunately) one of those ppl who when not able to have my morning coffee will eventually end up with a full blown migraine. I have investigated caffeine patches for an alternative.  Any help or insight would be welcome.  

All plans are different, and my nutritionist doesn't recommend caffeine.  Her reason is vaguely that it is dehydrating.  Well I drink 80+ ounces of water or Crystal Ligh****er per day so I don't follow that reasoning, and I drink 1-2 coffees per day which gets me to almost 100 oz of liquids a day.  Additionally, for about six months I had one Chike coffee protein shake per day which has the equivalent of one shot of espresso.  I have not had any issues with drinking caffeine.  If you read the "What are you eating today" thread daily on the RNY board, I would say most of us drink caffeine :)

I already eat low carb and small amounts, don't take my coffee too!!!!!  LOL

Some physicians will tell you that the caffeine can cause you to become dehydrated but this is untrue.  While caffeine does have a diuretic effect, the effect is minor until you consume massive amounts and the water content of pretty much any beverage will outweigh the effect.  It's maybe not the most efficient means to stay hydrated but it doesn't really pose any risk.

Caffeine can cause some irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, especially if you develop an ulcer or other condition.  However, as long as you don't feel any burning then you're probably fine.

My bariatric clinic does not allow caffeine. Their main concern was that it is known to contribute to causing ulcers. I slowly eliminated caffeine over the course of 3 months. Now I only drink decaf tea. Chris

Thank you all for the responses, it's good to know I can keep my caffeine!!'

I am glad you posted this. I am struggling with that too. I have always been convinced that i did not need caffeine but I guess I didnt realize how dependent I actually was on it. Caffeine and carbonation lost all at the same time. Hard work! I do not have a date yet but I am trying to get adapted to the way life will be for the next year or so. So far since I am eating yogurt for breakfast and drinking my lunch (3.8oz) I really only EAT dinner. I miss chewing and drinking bubbles. I cant wait till the surgery though so that I can see the benefit of this.

Wow, so you've actually started what seems to be more of a post op diet.  Kudo's!!  And yes I am caffeine dependant but I figure that is the least of my worries.  I just needed to know if it was medically necessary to remove from my diet. 

I have always gotten headaches if I didn't have my coffee. However, after surgery I went cold turkey on caffeine and had ZERO ill effects. I never had a headache or anything!!  I was quite suprised.  A couple of moths post surgery I returned to my regular coffee as I just thoroughly enjoy it and have my whole life!  (A family tradition!) 

Yeah , here too.  If that's the worst of my evils I guess I'm not going to stress on it

My clinic wants no caffeine just for the first few months, but they claim it's because of the diuretic effect, which as others have mentioned, isn't nearly as significant as a lot make it out to be. I figured if I get a withdrawal headache after surgery, at least it'll be while I have some good painkillers to help.