Refresh My Memory---Please!

I was trying to think of the reason why we CANNOT consume any caffeine? Can someone please refresh my memory as to the reasons why? Thanks Hugs Marianne

Because it makes you hungrier so I've been told. Jan

I do drink a little caffeine.. I do drink coffee, about 1/4 cup a day that has caffeine... and it dont seem to bother me.. I was told me to watch the carbanation in drinks..... Shelia 240/107 (underweight & not stopped losing yet) 4-9-04

I choose not to consume caffeine because in th eend i tmakes me more tired. some reasons might be - in my case I can't sleep even if it is just a little. Caffeine contributes to ulcers forming.. It can be a mild diuretic. some think it makes them hungrier, but it used to be in OTC diet pills to take the edge off of hunger. so use your judgement. As far as cannot consume it , if I was ever told that by my surgeon I don't remember it.

Marianne--I do drink caffeine and it was allowed by my nutritionist. I think the concern was that it was a diuretic. For a long time there was a belief that for every so many ounces of caffeine you consumed you would have to double that amount of liquid. I know that at around the time of my surgery I read a study found that this was not true. I do think that too much would tend to be harsh to our pouch. Coffee was one of the things that made me feel normal shortly after my surgery.

Caffeine dehydrates so I was told for every 8 ounce cup of caffeinated coffee or pop I'd have to drink 2 - 8 ounce glasses of water to make up for it. When I got to 100 ounces of water a day I started drinking coffee. (I still get in all my water and then some). But at a recent appointment my doc said the only thing to worry about is iron isn't absorbed well when we drink coffee or caffeine products. Other than that - occasionally having coffee was ok with my doc. Caffeine is supposed to increase the appetite I've heard.

HI Marianne! I drink caffiene daily and have since about 4-6 months out...I dont see any difference in hunger or anything else..but thats me! Julie

I was told that it dehydrates you and can cause ulcers in the new pouch. Stacey

Marianne, *waving hand frantically* Oooh! Ooooh! Pick Me! Pick Me!! Re-post about caffeine. So, I've seen this question a number of times- Why Not Caffeine? And the responses are incredibly varied. Although Caffeine is a MILD Diuretic, It is often presented without the "Mild," And its powers to dehydrate us are often Overstated. Yes, it does contribute to dehydration but not at A level that is significantly higher Than talking a walk on a hot summer day Or being exposed to "Air Conditioned" Air For a prolonged time. I wanted the "Absolute End All Info" from my surgeon And his explanation was this- "It's not so much the Dehydration issue that causes me to Advise people to give up caffeine prior to their surgery, but The negative impact it has on Healing and the formation of Scar tissue." Whhhaaaaaaat? Yep, Caffeine constricts the capillaries, Those smallest of the small little Tubes in our circulation system. It is in the capillaries that the exchange between the blood And the cells of the body takes place. Here the blood releases its oxygen and takes on carbon dioxide, Except in the lungs, where the blood picks up oxygen And releases carbon dioxide. In the special capillaries of the kidneys, The blood gives up many waste products In the formation of urine. Capillary "beds" are also the sites where white blood cells Are able to leave the blood And defend the body against harmful invaders. Capillaries are so small That when you look at blood flowing through them Under a microscope, The cells have to pass through in single file. When these capillaries constrict, All of these activities are reduced. Since the area of a trauma or cut need extra Blood/oxygen/food exchanges in order to heal the tissue, Anything that constricts the capillaries Slows the production of new tissue- Healing. It is the same with nicotine. Someone who smokes and Consumes even moderate amounts of caffeine, "Heals" or generates new tissue 40% to 60% slower Than those who do not. This also accounts for the less elastic and more wrinkled skin Or those who smoke and consume caffeine. According to my Dr. there are numerous other Bad things about caffeine, such as- A significant association between caffeine And decreased bone mineral density. (however, this is off set by just one serving of milk per day) In Pregnancies, mal-formations in fetus, And prior to becoming pregnant, caffeine reduces fertility rates. (However, these effects have only been seen in rats And no Human studies have ever been sited as conclusive) My Doctor's list of- "Bad, but not too...." Went on and on. Caffeine, it seems, is one of the most studied of Compounds that we humans take into our bodies And the effects, Other than the Constriction of Capillaries, Is marginal and in nearly every study, rides the fence of What could be considered "Significant." Even the constriction of the Capillaries is a Good Thing If you are trying to reduce the symptoms of a Migraine headache. Since my Doc is a Bariatric Surgeon, I asked specifics as to how it would effect my Pouch. Once again, it's a "Fence Sitter." Yes, coffee is a mild irritant to the pouch and should be avoided early on. But, It's not the caffeine. It's the mild acids from coffee that are present even in De-Caf, so switching to De-Caf for it's benefits on pouch irritation Is a little like switching from Bourbon to Scotch So you can Drive home safely from the party. Just some "Food for Thought" about caffeine- It's the only "psycho-active substance" That We, in fact every country on the planet, Regularly dispenses to children. Cokes, chocolate, etc... Although sites touting the "Benefits of Caffeine" (see below) All include the persuasive fact that it is "Natural" "Occurring in Nature" and some how this makes it "Not a Drug." The THC active ingredient in marijuana Also fits this bill as does nicotine, But we would be hard pressed to think of them as "Safe" because of that fact. Dame Tooter dropped on an excellent link to-Energy Fiend.- http://www.energyfiend.com/the-caffeine-database/ That tells how much caffeine is in which drinks and foods. And an exceptional source for information About caffeine can be found at- http://coffeefaq.com/caffaq.html It's sort of a compilation of EVERYTHING- Pro and Con, to be found about caffeine. Are there some benefits of caffeine? Other than the "boost" to the nervous system Often helpful while making a long drive home at night, Other benefits have been touted, ranging from - Lowering incidence in Parkinson's disease, Its association with lowered incidence of Alzheimer's Disease, And, even the reduction of gallstone formation associated with caffeine use. The benefits here were all in literature published by The "good people" of Vivarin, a Caffeine tablet, and so The research or at least the "interpretation of it Is a little suspect. Sort of like "The Benefits of Tobacco" As presented by the leading cigarette company. Do be on guard and take a "Grain of Salt" with a lot of the "Caffeine Information" to be found on the Web. Such sites as-"Everything You Need to Know About Caffeine" Are publications of the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation Which is an "informational organization funded by the beverage Industry. Sort of a "Public Lobby Group," that "spins" information In a positive light for those who fund the publications. In other words- Highly specialized advertisement. As to the Metabolic benefits? A study published in this July's edition of "Neuropsychobiology" - http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=JournalHome&ProduktNr=224082 Has found that sustained caffeine use Has No significant enhancing effects on performance Or mood and does not provide a restorative effect after poor sleep. So, It's clearly not a Black and White issue But then again few things are. But this long ramble about caffeine? I saw a question about "Why No Coffee?" And I had already gotten in one cup too many today. I guess that the other reason to avoid- You could end up writing yard-long posts on the AMOS Board! Best Wishes- Dx

sigh.....I guess I'm doomed then.....I LOVE coffee....and I drink more than I should. I never have any problems with it in regards to my pouch. It doesn't keep me awake at night. I love flavored coffee beans and a local store sells some of the best around. I do like the stimulating effect it has to move things along intestinally, especially in the AM before having to leave for work! I am 20 months out from surgery and I am within 5 lbs of personal goal Andi B. in Ohio 5'8" 315/179/anticipated goal 175