craving coffee...i'm gonna die!

just1more · 09-07-2008, 02:39 PM

its been almost 8 weeks since my surgery. I'm really craving coffee. And no, decaf will not cut it. my dr says no caffeine for the first three months. Please remind me why I cant have it. I quite frankly dont rember why. Anyone else out there able to drink coffee after the surgery?

lamvmomof4 · 09-07-2008, 02:51 PM

Hmm, my dr only says no caffine for the first 2wks. I don't know why they would say 3mo!

sleepygirl · 09-07-2008, 02:56 PM

The only thing I can think of is because it is a diuretic. This can pull your electrolites down. Call his office and ask why. What could it hurt.

al0792 · 09-07-2008, 02:57 PM

my Dr said 1 week-- I have coffee all time.

RestlessMonkey · 09-07-2008, 03:25 PM

They told us "no caffeine" and I had to know why because I LOVE iced tea...not decaf either. I was told "because it is an appetite stimulant". Huh. not for me! (I checked it out!) LOL In fact some OTC diet pills have caffeine as major ingredient because it is a stimulant, but not for appetite.

SO...I figure once I'm healed (in solids) I'll have it again. That's 6 weeks. Can't help you, OP. If I were you by now I'd be having a cup or two a day.

RestlessMonkey · 09-07-2008, 03:28 PM

If I were you, I would truly call Monday and ask. If it's some kind of healing issue, hang tough. If it's a judgement call (and that's entirely possible; lots of medical professionals still have an old-fashioned view that caffeine is bad. Current data indicates it really isn't bad for you at all) then I say start slow but have some if you want.

I'm struggling with being told NO about any all and everything myself. If there is a good medical reason pertaining to healing, FINE. But don't tell me to avoid all potatoes. ME why? they: they have no nutrition whatsoever. NOT TRUE! They may not be the best choice but an occasional 1/2 small baked potato won't send me straight to hell! LOL So I've learned to question every directive!

Good luck!

BernieDoc · 09-07-2008, 03:33 PM

Coffee is one of those drinks which my surgeon has on the list of 'drink all you want'. I wonder why different surgeons have different rules?

Matt S · 09-07-2008, 03:55 PM

Caffeine can cause your blood sugars to be eratic, which can cause weight gain (the whole insulin resistance stuff!). My surgeon allows coffee whenever I want other than when on the clear liquids. I will be having surgery tommorow, wish me luck, I'm very nervous for some reason.

RestlessMonkey · 09-07-2008, 04:03 PM

From the Mayo Clinic web site:
question does coffee affect blood sugar (sorry I'm a student I HAD to look it up Matt because I'd never heard that)
Short-term studies indicate that caffeine impairs insulin action but not necessarily blood sugar (glucose) levels in young, healthy adults. However, in individuals with type 2 diabetes, the impact of caffeine on insulin action may be associated with a small but detectable rise in blood sugar levels, particularly after meals. The amount of caffeine noted to have caused this effect was about 500 milligrams (or the equivalent of five cups of plain, brewed coffee) a day.
F
Short-term studies indicate that caffeine impairs insulin action but not necessarily blood sugar (glucose) levels in young, healthy adults. However, in individuals with type 2 diabetes, the impact of caffeine on insulin action may be associated with a small but detectable rise in blood sugar levels, particularly after meals. The amount of caffeine noted to have caused this effect was about 500 milligrams (or the equivalent of five cups of plain, brewed coffee) a day.
For individuals with type 2 diabetes who are struggling to control their blood sugar levels, limiting your caffeine intake may provide a benefit. or individuals with type 2 diabetes who are struggling to control their blood sugar levels, limiting your caffeine intake may provide a benefit.

AvonAndrea · 09-07-2008, 04:04 PM

WOW! All surgeons really DO have different rules. My doc counted coffee as a clear liquid and I got to have some the morning after my surgery (with splenda, of course).

RestlessMonkey · 09-07-2008, 04:05 PM

So if you don't have type 2 diabetes and don't drink 5 cups a day, you're fine! However I will say (studies indicate) that people who drink OVER 6 cups a day are less likely to develop diabetes. So there needs to be more research.

trinidad83 · 09-07-2008, 04:05 PM

I know how you feel...my surgeon said no coffee for 6 MONTHS!!! But, I have a feeling that I won't be making it that long.

Melody2006 · 09-07-2008, 04:18 PM

My surgeon said no caffeine for 6 months. Something about he stomach healing.

RestlessMonkey · 09-07-2008, 04:31 PM

OK I think I know why we can't have it post op
Taken from the "how stuff works" web site and confirmed by my nursing books:

Your pupils dilate
Your breathing tubes open up (this is why people suffering from severe asthma attacks are sometimes injected with epinephrine)
Your heart beats faster
Blood vessels on the surface constrict to slow blood flow from cuts and also to increase blood flow to muscles; blood pressure rises
Blood flow to the stomach slows
The liver releases sugar into the bloodstream for extra energy
Muscles tighten up ready for action

I think the kicker is....blood flow to the stomach slows. You don't want that when you are healing...you need good blood flow.

Apparently different physicians feel this is important for different lengths of time. They would best know their client base (and remember surgeons have different "styles" too....some may place the band lower or higher etc and that can affect healing also)

SO I guess no coffee till your surgeon okays it.

**Iluvharleys** · 09-07-2008, 04:36 PM

they actually served me coffee in the hospital after surgery. I could have it right away and was also on my liquids list. You will find surgeons have all kinds of different rules.