Question:
Decaf coffee post-op?
I have gotten myself off of a 3-cup a day high-test coffee habit down to one cup a day of decaf in preparation for my open RNY on 9/25. Coffee is one of my real pleasures but I have read that many surgeons discourage it or rule it out altogether no matter if its caf or decaf. Is decaf coffee all right post-op? — Deborah M. (posted on September 22, 2003)
September 22, 2003
Of course, follow whatever your doc tells you. But, I have been allowed
decaf coffee after about a month post-op. The dietitian told me that I
should not drink aything with caffeine in it for the first year post-op,
and could then add back a moderate amount of caffeinated drinks after that.
I miss regular hot tea, but otherwise, I don't miss caffeine at all, and
don't intend to go back to it.
— Vespa R.
September 22, 2003
I drink lots of coffee every day (re-started about 3 weeks post-op) because
I like the taste, find that the warm beverage helps with digestion and
appreciate the appetite suppressing characteristics of caffeine. Let me
share with you the cautions that my surgeon gave me: (1) don't try to drink
coffee right away after surgery as it can irritate your new pouch, (2) when
you do start drinking it, do it very slowly and notice any cramping or
other upset that it may be causing and (3) remember that you still need to
get in other liquids as the coffee does serve as a diuretic. Also, a
recent study revealed that WLS patients who drank coffee were best served
if they reduced how sweet they made their coffee (in other words, if you
were putting in two sweet-n-low packets, try using one after surgery). The
concern that many doctors have with post-op coffee consumption is that, for
some people, coffee was a trigger and, because it may be associated with
donuts or muffins or other high-carb foods, may prompt the patient to crave
these other foods. I guess I was lucky--- I used to drink so much coffee
throughout the day that it was as associated with eating as much as
breathing was. Good luck.
— SteveColarossi
September 22, 2003
It's great that you were able to get yourself onto decaf before surgery. I
did the same thing to avoid the caffeine withdraw headache. My surgeon
allowed us only decaf for the first 6 months due to its diuretic effects.
Check with your surgeon what his/her instructions are. I'm 11 months postop
and just now enjoying 1 cup of regular coffee each morning. I have decaf
the rest of the day. Note: if you take your coffee with milk or cream or
sugar, make sure you wean yourself off of those, also. During the clear
liquid phase, milk or cream are not considered clear liquid. You may also
find yourself lactose intolerant. Of course with the sugar, you could dump,
so switch to artificial sweetener or unsweetened. Good luck.
— Yolanda J.
September 22, 2003
They served me decaf in the hopital! I wasn't up for drinking it then, but
drink decaf on the weekends now.
— mrsmyranow
September 22, 2003
I drink 2-3 cups of decaf per day and my nutritionist says that it is fine
and counts towards my daily liquids. I could not drink it for months post
op though as it tasted bad and irritated my pouch. I also very occasionally
will have the real thing but not regularly. I am one who easily dehydrates
and coffee seems to help me get there quicker than anything else.
— Carol S.
September 22, 2003
My surgeon says anything that doesn't have caffeine is fine and counts
toward daily liquid intake.
— Patty_Butler
September 22, 2003
heya hun..i was..a pot of coffee a day drinker..lol.. but for some
reason..right after surgery..i coulnd stand the taste of coffee.. i only
started drinkin it again..about 4 months ago..lol.. but i was given decaf
with my first breakfast in the hospital..
— johanna F.
September 22, 2003
I have switched to decaf tea and allow myself 1 treat a week of a Grande
Coffee of the Day at Starbucks. I add about 2 ounces 2% milk and my
sweetener. Does the trick for me. Sometimes I drink half and put the
other half in the refrigerator for the next day. It still tastes so good
even the next day!
— SMG I.
September 23, 2003
My surgeon straight up tells us... no coffee, no tea (her tea is ok) it
isnt the caffiene that is bad, it is the acid content. It can cause very
painful ulcers. but I know how you feel.... My parents own a coffee shop...
no more white mochas for me! :-) Its not that bad though... I love the
herbal tea from starbucks now,a nd I never used to be able to drink tea.
good luck!
— Katrina K.
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