I miss coffee! What's the point of decaf?!

[BigViffer 3,545]

Ha! My nutritionist said no caffeine because it dehydrates you, and if you have trouble getting your liquids in, you will have more. I have had no issues at all getting my requirement and more, and I need the caffeine to boost my blood pressure. I am getting the impression that a lot of the professionals we deal with say whatever comes into their head about why we should or shouldn't do something.

But Decaf is great in the afternoon or evening. That way I can have my coffee and still sleep at night.

emphasis mine

Well said @@LittleBill! As gastric patients, it is a good idea to limit caffeine, especially in the beginning. I believe that the surgeons say things like caffeine dehydrates you because people hear that all the time and it is just easier to tell patients something they think they already know. Basically reaffirming their beliefs because they don't feel like educating their patients.

While it is true that caffeine does pull Water from your system, it would have to be a caffeine pill and not a beverage. The amount of Fluid in just about any caffeinated drink is enough to offset the amount of Water it pull out of our bodies. The real reason that we should limit or eliminate caffeine in the beginning is because caffeine attaches to the same receptors that absorb Vitamin D and calcium; and those two are vitally important the first year!

Now, it is also common for caffeine to irritate the bowels in some people. And as a gastric patient, whether you have a sleeve or a pouch, you no longer have a reservoir to hold the coffee in before it seeps into the intestines. Now you get a full dose pretty much right off the bat.

[wendypenn 13]

I make Protein coffee everyday. I'm going to switch to Decaf but my nutritionist said I could have coffee.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

Early on you want to watch the acid in coffee.

Cold Brew coffee that you warm (you can buy it at Trader Joes, or Target)

Or get a low acid coffee, French Roasts are usually low acid, and Trader Joes sells a low acid french roast.

A lot of Drs feel that caffeine is an appetite stimulant. I find it the exact opposite.

I have been drinking coffee since 6 weeks. I started with cold brews and low acid and around the 1 year mark I just drink regular coffees no issues.

I don't have GERD or any GERD issues.

[LadyB_atx 29]

@@wendypenn - what is Protein coffee and how do you make it? I'm only on Day 6 post-surgery and about to start the non-clear or shake week liquid diet, and am a little ways off from coffee, but I'd still love to know more about it. For me, my dietician and doctor suggested that I wait bc I retain fluids, so it's that much more important that I hydrate in order for my stomach to heal. It looks like most patients plans are really customized. Okay, so about that protein coffee... ☕️

[wendypenn 13]

I make the Protein coffee by mixing genpro unflavored Protein powder with a little Water. It turns into a paste. Just enough to make it smooth. I add the instant coffee l, hot Water, Splenda and a little cream or milk or whatever you use. It's a great way to get 30g of Protein and enjoy coffee.

Caffeine can dehydrate you, so it's still important to get all your liquids. I think it varies from person to person. My nutritionist gave me the go ahead and I've been having it since then.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited December 9, 2016 by wendypenn

[Sai 785]

I never stopped regular coffee. I was told to cut it down to 1-2 cups a day. I'm 3+ months post-op.