Coffee is a staple in many people’s lives. It helps us get going when we’re feeling sluggish, provides an energy boost when we need it, and can be a comforting ritual in the morning before starting our day.
But coffee isn’t so innocent after bariatric surgery. In this blog post, you’ll learn how coffee affects your body both directly after surgery and long term, as well as coffee alternatives that will help you stay caffeinated!
Why Is Coffee Bad After Bariatric Surgery?
Coffee is a diuretic, as are any drinks, medications, and supplements containing caffeine. Put another way, coffee makes you pee. On the surface, this is no big deal. Urinating is a need we all have, and going a little bit more often seems like a fine trade-off for having more energy.
Except dehydration after bariatric surgery is a very big concern. With reduced stomach capacity, you have to strike a delicate balance between getting in enough fluids and hurting yourself. Then, once you start on solid foods, you need to find the ideal rotation between liquids and solids to get the nutrition you need while remaining hydrated. This leaves bariatric surgery patients prone to dehydration, which can be very dangerous.
Is Caffeine Off-Limits for Life?
Can you drink coffee after bariatric surgery? Yes! But it is off-limits for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery. This is because you need to heal, making all hydration very important. Coffee and other caffeine sources can also irritate the stomach, which is terrible when healing.
Once that initial healing period is up, you can start drinking coffee again, but not daily. You will be more prone to developing ulcers, which coffee will make worse. And after bariatric surgery, ulcers are harder to treat and thus more dangerous.
Alternatives to Coffee After Bariatric Surgery
If coffee isn’t an option, what can you drink? Start with beverages containing smaller amounts of caffeine, like tea. If your morning cup of joe is more about the comfort than the kick-in-the-pants, then any warm beverage could work, including warm milk, hot chocolate, atole, and even a natural fruit punch.
Ultimately, coffee will not be banned for life, but if you have a daily habit, that will need to end after bariatric surgery in Mexico.
Are you interested in learning more about life after weight loss surgery? Allow Hospital BC to help. We offer gastric sleeve in Mexico, as well as other bariatric procedures, and can walk you through life after surgery.