Caffeine Issues

So - I'm trying to solve my coffee (1 in the morning) and my addiction to Dr Pepper (2 daily) before my VSG on 12/21 but I'm having the hardest time!!!

I have already gone from a venti to a grande to a tall but when I tried to have no coffee or soda at all I get the worst headaches. Does anyone have any tips? I'm freaking out about not following the diet right and waking up after the surgery with an awful headache. Have I waited too long?  Any tips?

Thanks!

I would try to psych myself out and switch to decaf coffee and see if you can convince yourself that it's the same thing and then switch the sodas to non caffienated (sp?) after a little bit. OR you can take 1 away at a time. Doing it slowly works for some people. You CAN do it cold turkey and eventually the headaches will go away. I don't think they will last that long.

When I would quit smoking, cutting back never worked for me. It was like prolonging my suffering. It was always easier to just suffer the initial pain and be done with it.

I would definitely deal with the situation now rather than after surgery. You'll have so many other things to deal with afterwards... I don't think you've waited to long at all.

i take excedrin migraine when I am quitting caffeinated beverages... (it has caffeine in it).... and helps with the headaches... (but believe it has asprin and tylenol in it too)... might be worth a shot for a few days

Try cutting your volumes in half everyday.  If you get headaches, take advil or whater works best for you.  Drink more water.  Cut the Dr. Peppers first,  because you won't be able to do the carbonation after surgery.  It was hard for me to give up the coke, but I'm good with that now.  Life IS possible withour soda!  Good luck!

 try half caff and half decaf... that's how i did it and now i haven't had caffeine in 12 weeks and counting.  just last week i ended up having 2 decaf coffees with sugar free flavored creamer and only drank a few sips of each one.  

I am also having my surgery on the 21st and was hooked on my morning Starbucks . The headaches will only last for a day or two. I stopped last week with caffeine so I totally understand what you are feeling. By day three I was fine, try Tea it has a little caffeine and I was told that I could have it while on clear liquids. Well wishes you your WLS journey

Okay I am a caffine/dr. Pepper addict. 8 a day. , what I did was I got Dr pepper ten and flattened it (it really tastes like regular). I figured that would help ease withdrawl.

What happened was any withdrawl I went thru the first few days on pain meds. I have had about 2 oz daily... But because that is all I want now. Just a bit in the morning.

I guess what Iam saying is have some on hand you can flatten but don't stress over it. if I am okay you will be okay.

Even decaf coffee has SOME caffeine in it.  I second the opinion to go to half-caf, then de-caf. 

I went back on fully leaded coffee about 3 months out from surgery and I'm not having a problem.

Thanks everyone! I have to do this! I wish I could completely take them out of my house but because I can't  take them away from my husband too (though I wish I could) the temptation will remain.
Stong willpower!! I started walking again and drinking a lot of water so I'm hoping that helps as well. I'll do the half-caf thing tomorrow morning at Starbucks.

LOVE this forum!!! :)

I was never a soda drinker, but was strongly addicted to my morning mocha from Starbucks.  I quit cold turkey a few days before surgery, and 3+ months later, I haven't gone back.  The withdrawals weren't that bad, and taking post-op meds helped get through them.  I haven't gone back, though I do have an occasional nonfat latte, usually mid-morning or early afternoon if I am dragging.  It sucks for a few days, but you can do it!