Coffee & Lap Band

I have read, and have been told by numerous individuals that I can never have coffee again once I have had my lap band procedure (06-01-07).  I love coffee, and do not think this fair. I was talking with my nutrititionist and she said that I will be able to have coffee.  In smaller portions.   Why is everyone out to confuse me. What happens with coffee?  All I want is an occassional cup of java with my friends every now and again. Can some one enlighten me from personal experience. and possibly tell me when i could have some coffee again? Regards sad SACS

sacs5 - I'm sucking on a cup of extra strong Arabica right now.  I had lap-RNY 11 months ago, which is not exactly the same as lap band, but I would think the principle is the same.  I drink coffee all day long (about 3-4 cups a day, total) without a problem. I don't remember when I started drinking coffee again after the surgery, but it was not long - I doubt that it was more than a month or so.  I would also note that I have been fortunate in that I can eat just about anything I choose, but I know other WLS patients who have not been so lucky, so your mileage may vary. I did have to take Pepcid for the first 4 months after sugery, but my doctor said that was related to he healing of the attachment of the intestine to the pouch, which would not be an issue for you. You do have to make a lot of lifestyle changes, especially in the area of exercise to make this a success, but with a little luck, you won't have to give up the java. John

Part of the problem is that each bariatric center (meaning a combination of doctor, nutritionist, etc) have their own set of "guidelines" that they want THEIR patients to follow. Some say "no caffeine", which would mean that, yes, you could have coffee, but that it would need to be decaf. Some say "it's okay in moderation". Some don't say anything, which in theory, would mean that you could do anything you want (LOL). It may also depend on what you put in it; if you put a lot of half & half or sugar in it, that adds to the calories... Banders usually don't "dump" like RNYers sometimes do, but it still adds to your overall intake. Anyways, that's the reason you'll see SO MANY opinions on what to a) eat post op and when, b) drinking carbonated beverages,   c) coffee,   and d) all of the above. My best recommendation on all of these: Follow your surgeon's advice. If you have specific concerns or want to know what your bariatric team's opinion of what will happen if you DO one of these things, just ask them!!! :-) From your nutritionists standpoint - you won't be able to drink as much at one time quickly as you could before, is what I think she meant... Good luck - ...Nick

My doctor and my nutritionist said coffee is ok ..  I had hot tea the first few days after surgery and added coffee about 3 days postop.   I make protein coffee, by mixing the protein powder with cold water first, then adding coffee;  or make iced coffee drinks with the protein powders/slimfast.  (my nut could not understand lapband eating rules/guidelines so I fired her).     There are so many varying opionions from dr and nuts, it is really confusing.   If you haven't checked it out, there is a lapband forum on this site that has loads of info.   Welcome and good luck!!

I'm drinking a  cup of Tully's Evergreeen blend myself. I had my RNY, and no one said I couldn't have coffee.  Someone mentioned transfer addictions a few posts ago .. I think mine is coffee. I have a couple cups a day, and I'm fine.   Correct me if I'm wrong, guys, but my understanding is that the lap banders can tolerate a lot more stuff than us RNY guys simply because there is no re-routing of the intestines, or seperation of the stomach.  The band just constricts your stomach so that it takes longer for food to go all the way through, making you feel full sooner. So you shouldn't have a problem with coffee.  But - as always - your mileage may vary, and you'll want to listen to your surgeon. Good luck!

SACS, Every Doc / Nutritionist has a repertoire of personal experience they use to base their opinions on. If a particular doc has had Coffee be a problem for a few of his patients? More than likely he’ll start telling All of his patients to "Lay Off the Coffee!" If another doc has had zero patients have issues resulting from coffee? They’ll more than likely give their patients "a green light" on the coffee. Yes? The conflict arises when folks are told something by their doc/ nutritionist And make the jump from "Their Doc’s Recommendations," And "These are the RULES! Why aren’t the rest of you aware that I’m Right!?!" Here’s the safest advice and Best that I have to offer---

"What did YOUR Doc / Nutritionist recommend? Then Do that." I’ve typed that same phrase thousands of times out on the Boards over the past 3 years… And "Why aren’t the rest of these folks aware that I’m Right!?!" Best Wishes- Dx

SACS,

Hi, I had my lapband done on 12/04/06. My Dr. did not put any restriction on coffee. I can has aas much as I want.

The only thing he had me give up is carbonation. He does want me to have anything with carbonation, but that is the only restriction.

Talk with your Dr. and see what he advises. If he is against coffee find out why and maybe you can come to compromise and have a little coffee just to satisfy you. If you didn't ask him maybe he has nothing against coffee. The best way to find out is to ask him.

For me giving up carbonation wasn't hard but it might be different for someone else.

Good luck.

Dan

I was not given that restriction. I told told to be careful with caffein because it slows weight loss. I drink 2 or 3 cups of decaf a day and have not had any problems.