Question:
would drinking some caffeine everyday cause me to plateau,

and wouldit mess up my stomach?    — sue P. (posted on August 21, 2002)

August 20, 2002
Hi Sue, I was on a plateau (at the 3 month mark, until 4 months) and I had to analyze everything I took in, to see what I was doing wrong. I was having small amounts of caffeine then, either 1/2 cup of coffee or a small cup of soda. I went on www.fitday.com and figured out that I was actually taking in too many carbs. I cut down the carbs, cut OUT the caffeine altogether, and went down 3 lbs right away. I suggest you analyze your daily intake also, and TRY to cut out the caffeine, increase the water. I know, it's hard! Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 20, 2002
Based on a newspaper article I read yesterday from the Associated Press about "water drinking myths" one of the most common myths is Caffeinated beverages are dehydrating...it said "a study shows that caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and soft drinks can count toward a person's daily fluid intake,not against it" I always made a point of cutting back on caffeinated drinks and upping my water intake when I hit a plateau thinking the sodas and coffee etc. were taking away from what I should have been consuming...looks like that was messed up thinking! I can't think of any reason why caffeine in of itself would cause you to plateau...usually for me it's because I'm not getting enough exercise and consuming too many carbs! BTW the article also stated that the thinking that water blocks dieter's hunger is wrong..."studies show that drinking water with food can help you feel full faster, but that just drinking water between meals has little effect." Maybe for "regular" people...but I don't think THAT applies to us "small pouch" people! Good luck with the plateau busting!! Hugs...Nicole
   — DolcezzaVT

August 21, 2002
I have to agree with Nicole. I also saw a similar article that said all liquids in the diet count toward the daily count. I HAVE to believe it since I am really lucky if I get in 24-36 oz of water a day. And I was a former water fiend! While it is very difficult to drink water, I have no problem drinking coffee or tea. I worried about it for a while but now just try to add lots of ice and/or milk. I also eat a good bit of fruit and some liquidy foods like soup, yogurt, and smoothies. I haven't passed out from dehydration yet!<p>As far as the plateau, I have been drinking coffee (1-2 cups/day) since I got on regular food. The only plateau I had (and it was really just a slow loss period--I was still losing a little) was due to increased carb intake. I don't think that is the FIRST thing you should cut (that would be sugar and other white carbs) but if you are doing EVERYTHING else right and still not breaking it you could cut it out. Good luck and happy losing!
   — ctyst

August 21, 2002
Caffeine shouldn't affect your weight loss at all. In fact, because it is a stimulant, it has the tendency to reduce your appetite too (just like other stimulants)- but only slightly.
   — Patricia E.

August 21, 2002
I stay away from Caffeine as a choice I made years before having the surgery, because of Heartburn, and not being able to sleep at night. I have had 2 major plateaus so far, and am still right now in the midst of one long one. I am 9 months out, and have been plateauing for the last month, and a half. I think plateuas happen no matter what you do. just deal with them, and take in exactly what you were doing before the plateau, and eventually it will break. it is frustrating though even when you do up your activity level, and water consumption, and protein, and still plateau. good luck to you.
   — sbinkerd1

February 17, 2004
also...coffee is a source of potassium! so it's nutritionally sound for us who's intake suffers after gbp!
   — lisalevy