After bariatric surgery in Tijuana, there are a lot of dietary changes to maintain. A major concern for many patients is whether or not they can continue to consume caffeine—specifically, their morning cup of coffee. And the answer isn’t one size fits all.

Here’s what you need to know about caffeine after bariatric surgery.

The Problem with Caffeine

You are probably wondering why caffeine is bad for weight loss considering it is included in so many at-home weight loss solutions, from teas to pills. There are several factors that come together to make avoiding caffeine the better choice for many people post-bariatric surgery.

• One of the effects of too much caffeine is that it becomes a diuretic, flushing water from the body. Bariatric surgery patients can easily become dehydrated, making any caffeine consumption a bit risky.
• Many drinks and foods containing caffeine are also filled with sugar and other empty calories.
• Caffeine is an irritant, meaning it can cause a lot of discomfort for those with a new stomach pouch.
• Coffee, in particular, can cause acid reflux and indigestion in people, especially those who had bariatric surgery recently.

So, No More Coffee After Bariatric Surgery?

Not quite. While you should have no caffeine after bariatric surgery for at least 30 days, at some point, you can start working it back into your diet if you are careful. Here are some suggestions we have for making it easier to integrate caffeine back into your diet.

• Get your heartburn or reflux under control if you have these conditions.
• Make sure the coffee and other caffeine products you purchase don’t contain hidden sugars.
• Slowly reintroduce coffee to your diet.
• Limit consumption to one cup of coffee per day (no more than 8 oz per cup).
• Make your coffee work for you by adding a milk substitute with protein and calcium.
• Or, drink your coffee black to avoid extra fats and sugars.
• Focus on being extra hydrated any day you consume caffeine to combat the diuretic effect.

Ultimately, some lifestyle changes can be a struggle, but the end results are worth it. To learn more about what you can and cannot eat—for example, can you drink alcohol—speak with the experts. The team at ALO Bariatrics in Tijuana is ready to answer all of your questions about your surgery options, financing, and life after bariatric surgery.