Out of curiosity - do folks know why caffeine is often nixed in pre op diets? I've seen it listed here and am curious.

There are a few reasons why no caffeine before surgery. First, caffeine is a diuretic, and can cause dehydration especially on a liquid diet or a new diet that is cut back. I have also heard that caffeine can possible cause erosion where they band is placed? I will have to research this one and ask the surgeon at my consult visit. Also, with all of the manipulation with your stomach, ulcers can be an issue, and caffeine unfortunately can add to that risk. I'm sure there are better reasons but that's what I came up with!

Many obese people abuse caffeine with caffeine filled soda pop. Breaking the soda pop habit can be incredibly difficult. I think many docs throw this rule into their guidelines as a way to guide their patients towards healthier eating habits and not fall back to old habits. My doc and nut both allow caffeine in small amounts. I'm allowed a cup of coffee every day as long as I avoid the extra sugar and cream many add to it.

tmf

There are a few reasons why no caffeine before surgery. First, caffeine is a diuretic, and can cause dehydration especially on a liquid diet or a new diet that is cut back. I have also heard that caffeine can possible cause erosion where they band is placed? I will have to research this one and ask the surgeon at my consult visit. Also, with all of the manipulation with your stomach, ulcers can be an issue, and caffeine unfortunately can add to that risk. I'm sure there are better reasons but that's what I came up with!

I was told something similar about causing dehydration etc. It is so hard to get off, but its been a long time since i've had soda... Tea on the other hand I have daily, some is caffeine free and the others don't have much! Hoping it is not a problem during my diet next week!

I am allowed coffee during my pre op diet. Just calorie free sweetener, no cream. I haven't had any and I'm on my 6th day of my pre op diet. Before this week I would have 2 or 3 cups a day. I'm pretty sure That's why I've had this annoying headache

I was never told no caffeine....and even if I were, I would never give it up....

I was drinking black coffee 12 hours after surgery....

Hello. Ahhh caffeine..I think some of us are more reluctant to do away w/ our beloved caffeine than chips, cookies and pizza alike (ok, that's a stretch but still... try taking my coffee away and I just might act that way lol). Caffeine is indeed a diuretic. Not a great thing if you want to remain hydrated for a surgical procedure where IVs are necessary (and hard to access and maintain on dehydrated patients) or if you are struggling with your fluid intake (think postop week 1). Also, caffeine is in many carbonated beverages..which if I were to prioritize a no consumption list, carbonation would come before caffeine. However, someone mentioned erosion. Here's the deal, caffeine does increase stomach acid. This in turn can result in GERD and/or ulcers. This in turn can cause band erosion. However, some of us do not suffer from acid reflux and do not find caffeine to be an irritant (thank all those lovely night shifts as a nurse where 2 pots of coffee is necessary not desired). If you have GERD symptoms or if you feel any negative symptoms after coffee maybe cut back to decaf (will lesser caffeine) or cut it out completely to prevent these symptoms and further complications. I have been banded 3.5 years and coffee/tea is a common staple still. However, I notice I cant drink coffee on an empty stomach anymore so I have decreased coffee intake and ensure it's with a meal. Lastly, caffeinated drink like coffee are usually laced with sugar and cream and become high cal drinks. Another reason to cut back if indeed you cant drink it w/out all the high cal additives

Thanks, all - very helpful!

I gave up soda a while back and rarely have it - but I do often have an iced coffee every day or two during the summer. Sounds like I should avoid it right before/after surgery but if it doesn't cause reflux I'm probably ok in the long run (keeping it with skim milk and a sweet n low).