I have done pretty well on my liquid diet for the past 10 days, but I have a question. I really and I mean REALLY enjoy my one cup of coffee in the morning. I use splenda dn 2% milk. I understand that for the first week it is CLEAR liquids only.... is it really going to hurt me to have that one cup in the morning? What if I switch to skim milk?

You probably want to stay away from all caffeinated beverages right after surgery. For a while at least. This was a rule given to me by my doctor. Coffee will dehydrate you and slow the healing process. If you need coffee and are looking for an alternative drink decaf with splenda. This journey is all about food compromises and committing to better alternatives. BUT I KNOW WHERE U R COMING FROM. I am starbucks' best customer 7 days a week. But for now, while I'm healing I have switched to decaf coffee and teas. I am just starting to add milk back into my diet. If you wanna win-go skim! MOST OF ALL FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR'S DIRECTIONS. JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE ON HERE TELLS U WANT TO WANNA HEAR doesn't mean that's what's best. Listen to your doc.

Thanks so much! I will ask my doctor, Im sure I will be live if I dont have my coffee for a week. I was just wondering if there was some aweful side affect from having it a couple of days after surgery. I didnt even think about it dehydrating me. Thanks for your reply!

Definitely follow YOUR doctor's advice. But for the record - mine has never suggested I shouldn't/couldn't drink coffee before or after my surgery. I drink three cups a day with no ill effects and I have lost 112lb in 8 months.

oh my goodness!! 112 pounds in 8 months. you really made me smile. I am looking forward to NOT being a size 26 in May, wonder if I could lose 60-80 by May? hmmm. gosh I hope so. Thanks for the comment on my issue with giving up my coffee. Do you put milk or cream in your coffee?

I didn't miss coffee. After surgery it took me a number of weeks to be able to handle the coffee on my stomach. I had more tea.

I was able to drink coffee and tea after surgery, coffee can dehydrate you if u have large quantities of caffine but the odd cup to 'most people' has no ill effects at all, It is essential you follow your own Doctor's advice tho ..see the Mayo clinic ...http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeinated-drinks/AN01661

which says:

Question

Caffeine: Is it dehydrating or not?

I've been seeing ads that say cola and coffee drinks hydrate you as well as Water does. Is this true?

Answer

from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

It is true. Researchers used to believe that caffeinated drinks had a diuretic effect. This means that you would urinate more after drinking them, which could increase your risk of becoming dehydrated. Recent research shows that this is not true and that caffeine has a diuretic effect only if you consume large amounts of it — more than 500 to 600 milligrams (the equivalent of 5 to 7 cups of coffee) a day.

Still, caffeinated drinks can make you jittery, sleepless or anxious. Water is probably your best bet to stay hydrated. It's calorie-free, caffeine-free, inexpensive and readily available.

If you are allowed to drink coffee then dont make it strong and use skimmed milk.

good luck on your journey.

You can Do it! Ive lost 43 lbs in less than 2 months and 5 inches, not exercising a whole lot ( you'll lose more if you can exercise , obviously. ) but to say from Pre-op to now... almost 50 lbs! WOW. Its fun to say lol.. anyway, the coffee thing... I was told no milk.(skim is considered clear--according to them) so Skim and coffee PRE OP.. is ok. POST OP..no caffeine if i remember correctly..no Milk either, for a few days.. So i drank a TOOOOOOOOOON of tea and splenda.... So many options out there...

Its not about dehydrating you its about irritating the pouch. That is why they say no caffiene. I drink decaf and am fine with it. Its the same thing if I really need some caffiene I take diurex which not only gets rid of the excess water weight but is 100% caffiene

Did you stay away from coffee post op? I am scheduled for surgery on Feb 28 and am also a coffee fan...did you have any problems post surgery with that? I see some doctors say no coffee, period, but my doctor does not agree with that. I have a Keurig and drink coffee first thing (more than 2 cups a day) but then drink herb teas all afternoon. Thanks for the info...

I have no problem with decaf coffee w/splenda or sugar. It's so yummy and make me feel "normal" without the adverse effects! good luck!

My nutritionist says no coffee because it interferes with iron absorbstion....I will take an iron supplemental if my levels are low, cause without coffee I'm a royal B****

I wasn't told anything about coffee and I have usually 2 cups a day with CREAM (and splenda! :-P )....that's the only way for me!

I started out decaf the first week then made 1/2 decaf 1/2 regular after. I'm in my second week and so far no stomach issues with coffee.

I had coffee the day after surgery - I'm willing to part with a lot but coffee is not one of them at this point.

The dietician told me if you really need your coffee drink it sparingly, one cup a day. Which is great thats all I usually drank anyways!!