Bariatric surgery is a life-changing event. It can help you lose weight, improve your health, and feel better about yourself. But it’s also a major surgery with a lengthy recovery period. So, knowing what you can and cannot do after the surgery is essential.
For example, you may need many vitamins and supplements after bariatric surgery. It may help if you are careful about what you eat and drink. Eating or drinking the wrong thing can cause serious problems.
Read more: Which Vitamins Should You Take After Bariatric Surgery?
So, can you drink coffee after bariatric surgery? The answer is yes, but there are certain things you need to know first.
How Will Caffeine Affect My Body After Surgery?
1. Caffeine Can Cause Dehydration
Coffee contains caffeine, which is a diuretic. This means that it can cause dehydration and increase the risk of urinary tract infections. It is essential to stay hydrated after bariatric surgery, so you should limit your caffeine intake.
2. Caffeine Can Interfere With Sleep
After bariatric surgery, patients are often encouraged to get around 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Caffeine can interfere with this by causing insomnia and making it difficult to fall asleep. It can also cause restless nights and make it harder to stay asleep.
3. Caffeine Can Increase Feelings of Anxiety Or Nervousness
It is common for patients to feel anxious or nervous after bariatric surgery. Caffeine can exacerbate these feelings by causing jitters and increased heart rate.
4. Caffeine Can Impact Blood Sugar Levels
After bariatric surgery, it is widespread for patients to have issues with blood sugar levels. Caffeine can worsen these issues by causing spikes and dips in blood sugar. If you drink coffee, be sure to do so in moderation and pair it with some food to help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
For example, you can have a small cup of coffee with a hard-boiled egg or some cheese.
5. Caffeine Can Cause Problems With Digestion and Absorption of Nutrients Post-Surgery
Weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy change how your digestive system works. Caffeine can cause problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients, leading to weight gain or other health problems.
If you decide to drink coffee after bariatric surgery, speak with your doctor or dietitian first. They can help you figure out how to incorporate coffee into your new diet best.
How Long Should You Wait?
Before having coffee, you should wait at least three to four weeks after bariatric surgery. This gives your body time to heal and adjust to the new diet. After this initial period, you can reintroduce coffee slowly into your diet.
Some tips to remember when enjoying coffee after bariatric surgery:
-Start with decaffeinated coffee and gradually add in caffeinated coffee.
-Have coffee in small amounts. Too much caffeine can cause side effects like anxiety, dehydration, and trouble sleeping.
-Limit the amount of sugar and cream you add to your coffee. Opt for calorie-free substitutes instead.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. It can also lead to dehydration and may interfere with sleep. For these reasons, it’s important to limit caffeine after bariatric surgery.
Dr. Jalil is well-known for bariatric surgery in Mexico. Our hospital will help you lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We will assist you at every step; contact us for your initial consultation.
