re: coffee

Just wondering something??? I've read a lot about the controversy regarding soda and the like beverages---BUT has anyone ever heard that coffee was a no no?  I was discussing my food cravings etc with a friend of mine and she thinks it's my coffee that is the culprit.  I drink it strong and black and LOTS of it.  Always have too.  I have always thought that it is the one addiction that I would not have to give up.   Does anyone know? Thanks for the info Penny

Yes, we were told by hospital nutritionists to avoid caffeine as it can be an appetite stimulant.   We were also told that caffeinated beverages don't count towards "water" for the day since it caffeine can dehydrate you so if you have 1 cup of coffee... 1 cup of water is needed to counter that.  Then you need to drink your 64 oz above that.  Don't know that I've seen this in writing anywhere but I haven't looked. Kathy

Yes to all the same things said by Kathy above.  I was told caffiene would be an appetite stimulant and a source of dehydration.  I was caffiene free for over six months following surgery.  I am back on my drug of choice  with some restrictions.  I am truly making it up as to what is best for me.  HOWEVER, killing or seriously maiming innocent bystanders was not a good option so I chose to consume a couple of cups of caffiene in the morning.  I drink nothing else in the 'bad for me' column so I am feeling fairly righteous with my cup of coffee each and every morning! Maybe you could try cutting back and see if that helps a wee bit.  Or, you could stop talking to that friend who suggested it may be the problem.  Vicky (tongue in cheek, of course)

My doc didn't want me to have it for awhile after surgery and I think I didn't for the first few months. But now I drink it. Problem is that caffeine can contribute to ulcers and we're already prone to them so you raise your risk of getting an ulcer -- especially if you drink it black and strong. Also, there's the whole issue of what do you eat WITH your coffee? Coffee and... donuts? Coffee and.... bagels? I think that can be a problem. I had to break myself of the "coffee and...." habit and when I'm drinking coffee, JUST drink coffee and don't eat. It ruins the fun a bit but oh well. I also delude myself into thinking that because I drink it with LOTS of milk that I'm getting more calcium. The problem with that logic is that caffeine is a diuretic which means it causes my body to purge minerals.  Justification is a beautiful thing, isn't it? ;) So yeah, coffee's probably a nono but since I'm a nurse who works night, it's also my very best friend.

Penny

Just as Vicki stated coffee can be the cause of stomach ulcers of which I am now undergoing testing for,  I just got back as a matter of fact from the Gastro Specialist and am scheduled for an endoscopy on Wednesday.  I was using coffee to curb my craving for chocolate so I was drinking 8-10 cups a day.  Was told by my WLS to cut it out or down to one cup a day if that.  So I did.  I try and go without but if I do have coffee I save it as my afternoon snack so I have something to look forward to.  Be very careful.  I was told coffee CAN cause ulcers because it creates acids which can burn through our pouches.  Every since the first night of taking the ulcer meds I have not had any pain.  I will know definately next week if it is indeed an ulcer or not. 

 

Penny, I only drink decaf.  Caffeine is an appetite stimulant and it prevents your bones from absorbing calcium (according to my surgeon).  I take his word for it - he does allow us to use decal tea and coffee. Patty

Patty How did you do with the Time Out?  Are you still doing it and if so what does the Dr have you following now? I was also told by my WLS that decaf also has caffeine in it and to try and consume as little as possible.

Marianne, I am still on Time Out but it's been modified.  I do two shakes a day and have a salad with a low cal dressing (all veggies and no meat or cheese) for the other meal.   I lost 18 pounds while doing just the shakes and so far, I've lost another 4 since adding the salad.  I still have a ways to go but am not having any particular problems so I am hopeful that I will get to my goal doing this.   It has helped me so much.  I have gotten rid of the cravings and that is a big step.  Sure, I still look at things and think that I would love to have them but I'm really not tempted.  It's like when I was a new post-op - I would walk down the cookie or chip aisle at the grocery and think to myself - gee I used to love that - but have no interest in actually buying and/or eating it. You are right that decaf does have small amounts of caffeine but my surgeon allows us a cup or two if we really want it.  However, he really doesn't want us drinking regular coffee, tea or any of the caffeine loaded energy drinks or sodas. Patty