X-post: Splenda and Headaches

Good Morning everyone,
Been a while...but I have a question. I had my Gastric Bypass surgery, Dec of 07. Lost 207 pounds...had gained (over the course of a year or more) about 40 back. Got back on track using Atkins, as it is similar to how we eat...protein first, ect. The first week went great I lost 9 pounds (mostly water, I suppose) but this week I am battling some pretty annoying headaches. Before getting back on the program, I was doing one or two FF/SF quad latte's a day with two splenda each and having no issues, However Atkins does not allow skim milk so I am now drinking regular coffee approx 3 cups a day each with 1 splenda; and as soon as I start drinking my morning cup...boom the headache is there. Usually across the front of my head and at my temples, but as the day wears on it often moves to the back of my head and to my neck.... I am at a loss...any ideas??? I need something in my coffee to sweeten it up and I have never had problems with splenda before ...maybe it's the regular coffee opposed to the espresso???
Any input will help!!!
Thank You,
Melissa

Alot of people get a caffiene buzz more so with regular coffee, than with espresso.   I am a coffee addict from 4:30 am to 10:00 am.

A thought would be check if the caffiene is raising your blood pressure.   Better to be safe than sorry!  Good luck! Ann

Thank YOu Anne,
Never thought of that...will check it out, as I get older it seems everything effects me differently...I used to drink a ton of coffee everyday with no issue... for now I will try laying off the coffee if I still get the headache I can look at something else in my diet.

Melissa

Melissa --

Something to consider with headaches is, ironically there are no pain receptors in the brain itself.  No kidding.  Brain surgeons often perform their delicate work on patients who are fully awake and aware during the procedures.

What you have sounds an awful lot like either a cluster headache, or a tension headache.  Of course, any sudden change is reason for concern, and you should probably consider asking your doctor.  Anything is possible, and people often have negative reactions to the most idiosyncratic things -- You never know!

Will you keep us posted?  I'd like to hear more about this (and though I  hate to mention it because I absolutely love coffee, to the tune of 4-6 cups a day, have you considered that this might be the culprit?). 

Thank You WhackaDoodle,
I have thought it might be the coffee, and that even though I have consumed it in excess for years with no issue, perhaps now for some reason it is having an adverse reaction. I am going to go without for a few days (even though I know that may bring on a withdrawl headache) and see how it goes. I will also contact my Dr. and do some research on both cluster and tension headaches.
I am so happy I stumbled upon this group and look forward to being an active participant.
Melissa

I can't do splenda. It make me sick. 

Also - the coffee you had before was with milk. Milk has sugar and proteins. And it has abolity to make the coffee less acidic.
Your body got use to some sugar first thing in the morning.  Coffee may make your blood sugar to drop, and that's why you getting the headache.  I used to getting really low BS in the morning after coffee.  Now I add UNsweet almond milk, and or protein shake to my coffee.  It helps. I use stevia.

Thank You Hala,
I had not thought of that. That's why I love OH many briains are better than one!!! I am going to give almond milk a try...downloaded a coupon from Silk.
Melissa