Why can’t I have caffeinated coffee & tea? Is it just because it’s a diuretic? If that’s the case, well...I’m a lot more hydrated now, post surgery, than in my past. Between my wife and the timer on my phone every 15 minutes reminding me to drink.

Caffeine restrictions vary from doctor to doctor. Mine is ok with me having caffeinated coffee or tea.

the above poster is correct - there doesn't seem to be a consensus among surgeons. Some don't allow it at all, some allow it right away, some limit how much you can have (e.g., 1-2 cups a day), some are OK with it after a specific amount of time has passed.

I was allowed to have decaffeinated after the first three or four weeks, I think (decaffeinated coffee still has acid in it, which was probably his rationale). I had to wait for six months to drink the caffeinated kind, and I was limited to one cup a day, but honestly, I drink more than one cup most days.

According to ASMBS guidelines, "Q: Do I need to avoid caffeine after bariatric surgery? A: Caffeine fluids have been shown to be as good as any others for keeping you hydrated. Still, it is a good idea to avoid caffeine for at least the first thirty days after surgery while your stomach is extra sensitive. After that point, you can ask your surgeon or dietitian about resuming caffeine. Remember that caffeine often comes paired with sugary, high-calorie drinks, so be sure you’re making wise beverage choices."

The BariatricPal Store carries a large selection of bariatric friendly coffee options at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/coffee .

My hospital's guidelines specify no caffeine on the rational that it increases hunger. I was back to work a week after surgery and was not going to tackle that without a bit of coffee, so I've compromised on 1/2 a cup of caffeinated coffee per day. My physical hunger remains non-existent and 1/2 a cup is just enough for that sweet, sweet a.m. caffeine buzz...

My attitude generally is that the guidelines are a great starting point, but listening to my body is of greater importance. In this case, a few ounces of caffeinated coffee don't seem to be an issue for me.

A lot of liquids with caffeine are also acidic. You are trying to let your stomach heal so why introduce an irritant? I guess I would rather be safe than sorry.

Lol caffeine is known to curb your hunger.

I drink coffee everyday and i used to drink energy drinks before surgery to keep me satisfied without needing food..

Thanks for your comments. I only drink two cups of coffee in the morning and an iced tea or two a day. I have been “allowed” to drink decaf two weeks before surgery and after the surgery. I drink it black with one Splenda packet.

Bariatric wise, I am allowed 1-2 glasses of caffeinated coffee in the AM, and tea is also permitted throughout the day, but they prefer herbal/non-caffeinated teas. Cardiac wise... I have given up caffeine altogether. Just as well, my biggest source of caffeine was colas which of course are NOT good for a bariatric patient!

My program advised no caffeine for at least the first 6 months after surgery. But I missed it too much, and drank a cup of coffee about 10 days after my RNY (12/12/19). I suffered no negative effects at all from it. At my 2-week post-surgery appointment, I told the dietician that, and she said, yeah, we recommend no caffeine for 6 months because SOME people can't tolerate it until their system is completely healed and stabilized in their "new normal." But she said some people are OK right off the bat, and if I was one of those, go ahead and have caffeine. So I have been drinking caffeine for about 4 weeks now, no problem -- 1-2 cups of coffee each day, and at least 1 20 oz diet soda a day, too.