Question:
Caffeine...why we can't have it?

I am contemplating taking a new diet pill zantrex-3 for energy more so than the loosing weight aspect, however, it is high in caffeine. Why are we not supposed to have caffeine? Thanks!    — Kay W. (posted on November 13, 2003)

November 13, 2003
Not bashing here but you shouldn't even be taking diet pills post-op. Caffeine leaches the calcuim from our bodies and post op, it is hard to get calcuim to the right levels anyway. It is also an appetite stimulator. There is another reason but i forgot it right now.
   — Delores S.

November 13, 2003
Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means you'll have to hydrate in order to make up for being dehydrated by the diet (caffeine) pill.
   — Suzy C.

November 13, 2003
Caffeine is a mild and readily available appetite suppresant, which is why many over the counter diet pills contain caffeine. It likely won't give you energy - more like a hyper kind of buzz - elevated heart rate, tremors, nervousness, irritablilty, etc. Are you taking all your vitamins and minerals? Including, and especially, B12 and iron? I checked the Zantrex 3 site - all you will lose is money. It contains Niacin and a bunch of herbs known for their stimulant properties. Don't waste your money. The only good thing about it is that there is no mahuang or ephedra in it!
   — koogy

November 13, 2003
In addition to being a diuretic and causing calcium loss, caffeine also has the potential to cause ulcers in your little pouch (according to my surgeon). You really do want to stay away from it. If you need more zing in your day, try doing some exercise first thing in the morning, and getting a decent amount of protein in at breakfast. Either one or both of those might help.
   — Vespa R.

November 13, 2003
We aren't supposed to have caffeine for several reasons: 1) it causes malabsorption of calcium; 2) it can cause dehydration. I am sure there are other reasons but those are the two my surgeon told me. He said he would rather me eat sugar than have caffeine and he's dead set against sugar.
   — Patty_Butler

November 13, 2003
Caffeine can also stimulate your appetite.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 13, 2003
See post from 11/10 entitled "Why can't we have tea?"
   — Cosmo K.