Before my surgery I was a distance runner and used Gels (GUs) and 5-hour energy for very long runs. Now, after surgery I have become a distance runner again, but am nervous to use these products because I am one of those that experiences dumping syndrome. The reason I ask is because I run half marathons and there is not really a way to get through that long distance w/ out adding a Gel for carbs/energy, but I am so scared to try for fear of major dumping. Has anyone tried these post surgery?

Does 5 Hour Energy have alot of sugar and/or caffeine in it? If not, what gives you the boost?

5 hr energy has caffeine, b vitamins and a proprietary blend including niacin but no sugar.

Caffeine is not recomended after the sleeve since it causes dehyration.

As far as caffeine goes it depends on your doc - mine says as long as you stay hydrated otherwise it is not a problem. I have been enjoying coffee quite happily. That does not mean that because it works for me it will work for you - but like many other issues there isn't a definitive answer.

Caffeine doesn't bother me either, but I drink decaf because for some reasom caffeine makes me hungrier!

There are conflicting studies now about whether or not caffeine really does dehydrate the body.

I've seen the conflicting studies like "Butter" mentioned as well. So I'm not really sure how much it dehydrates me personally. I probably have caffeine 2 or 3 times a week, mostly in the mornings. My Dr says it's ok as long as I don't get carried away with it, so I limit it and try to drink plenty of water just in case...can't hurt to constantly have water handy. Good luck with the runs! No pun intended.

I've used 5hr energy & my experience post sleeve is that it takes affect much faster and stronger. It kicks in almost immediately whereas pre sleeve it took about an hr. also I split the bottle into 2 doses now which I didn't do before.

FYI, 5hr energy does make a caffeine free version. It's in a blue bottle.

Thanks everyone. I figured the 5-hour energy would just work quicker, although pre-sleeve it did nothing for me. I more interested in finding out if anyone has used Gels since being sleeved b/c those are necessary during a distance run. I drink coffee every single day and I'm not dehydrated; as I work out and need my water. Now, coffee did not settle w/ me for a while, but now 2 1/2 months post op I have very few issues w/ coffee. But my trick is to mix it w/ MediFast Cappuccino and coffee and I get 14 grams of protein and fiber. Can't have my coffee any other way now.

Thanks everyone. I figured the 5-hour energy would just work quicker' date=' although pre-sleeve it did nothing for me. I more interested in finding out if anyone has used Gels since being sleeved b/c those are necessary during a distance run. I drink coffee every single day and I'm not dehydrated; as I work out and need my Water. Now, coffee did not settle w/ me for a while, but now 2 1/2 months post op I have very few issues w/ coffee. But my trick is to mix it w/ MediFast Cappuccino and coffee and I get 14 grams of Protein and Fiber. Can't have my coffee any other way now.[/quote']

PDX Man said something about them. Maybe he'll show up.