Coffee

What does your program say about coffee and caffeine in general? Did you cut it out temporarily or long term and if so why?

I was allowed coffee from the beginning as long as I limited it to one cup a day. Unfortunately for me, after surgery my beloved coffee tasted gross to me lol. I drink one 16oz mug a day now, but it still isn't the same for me. I don't drink more because I want to stick with my surgeon's recommendations, and I worry more might be an acid/ulcer issue in time.

I drink decaf coffee at home due to drinking more than my center allows. Could have 16 oz of caffeine after 6 months. I'll drink regular coffee when I'm out.

You'll get every answer under the sun. Some surgeons say never. Some let you have it in the hospital the day after surgery. Some tell patients caffeine is dehydrating, but that's an old wives' tale. Medical evidence shows it is not.

Best answer is to lay off completely for a month or two, until you are healed. Then have at it.

Some find caffeine contributes to acid. Or at least think it does. If it bothers you, stop.

For sure, do not drink coffee or tea within two hours of iron, as they will block iron absorption.

Great reminder on the iron - I pay attention to that.

Oooh, thanks for the reminder about iron... I had to switch to a multi with iron for the first time in my life, and I forget that caffeine can mess with the absorption. Maybe one more reason to put off re-acquiring my addiction... :)

I think my program said 3 months. I didn't pay a lot of attention because I wasn't a coffee drinker then. I now drink a half pot of half-caf every morning. Plus, I generally have one Diet Coke per day (eh, maybe 4-5 days per week). I think surgeons are similarly conflicted over bubbles though.

I think you have acid issues? I imagine it could make that situation worse?

Yeah, I've cut it out for the last two days to see if it helps the acid and I miss it so much that I had to make a coffee post!

Maybe someone has a coffee patch that will help with withdrawal?

I agree with this. However I drink about 6 cups of caffeinated coffee daily w/ skim milk.