Many people struggle with obesity. If you are obese, it might seem quite difficult to achieve your desired health goals through exercise and diet alone. One of the most effective options in dealing with obesity is bariatric surgery. It works by altering the size of the stomach. The surgery changes the digestive tract to make it easier to lose weight in a short time.

Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery have to make certain lifestyle changes to promote faster healing and successful weight loss after the surgery. One of the main concerns that bariatric surgery patients have is whether it is safe for them to drink coffee after the surgery. Most importantly, does coffee stretch your stomach after bariatric surgery? Continue reading through this article to learn whether there are any restrictions on coffee that you should follow after your bariatric procedure.

Best Nutrition Strategy after Weight Loss Surgery

Upon going through bariatric surgery, you need to follow strict dietary guidelines. Since the stomach gets much smaller after the surgery, it becomes challenging to get adequate nutrition and hydration. Thus, you should choose beverages and foods that will hydrate you and provide you with valuable nutrients and vitamins. Also, they should aid in healthy weight loss.

How Does Coffee Affect Bariatric Surgery Patients?

Coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine may have negative effects on patients recovering from bariatric surgery. Some of the negative effects include:

• Coffee contains caffeine, which is a diuretic. Thus, drinking coffee can be dehydrating.
• Caffeine stimulates appetite. As a result, drinking coffee will make you feel hungry and want to eat more.
• Coffee is acidic. When you drink coffee, you will increase the risk of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) after undergoing bariatric surgery.
• Many coffee lovers add sugar, milk, or creamer to their coffee. Such additives add calories to the body, which makes it hard to lose weight.

How Long Should You Avoid Coffee after Bariatric Surgery?

Due to the potential negative effects of coffee on individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery, you should avoid coffee and all caffeinated drinks for at least 30 days post-surgery. If you experience acid reflux or any form of gastric distress while recovering from bariatric surgery, you may have to avoid drinking coffee for much longer.

When Should You Drink Coffee Again?

For the best results, avoid consuming coffee until you are fully recovered from your bariatric procedure. You should not be experiencing any side effects resulting from the surgery to take coffee. Also, you should minimize your coffee intake after full recovery. Limit your coffee intake to 1 or 2 cups per day after recovery.

Besides limiting your coffee intake after recovery, you should take note of how you drink your coffee. It is advisable to take black coffee since it does not contain any calories. However, if black coffee tastes too strong for you, add nonfat milk or milk substitutes that are fortified with calcium.

Does Coffee Stretch Your Stomach after Bariatric Surgery?

Although coffee itself may not stretch your stomach, it can irritate your stomach and cause discomfort in your abdomen. The irritation can complicate your recovery process. Also, avoid other caffeinated drinks since most of them are carbonated. Carbonated drinks can stretch your stomach pouch, thereby leading to weight regain over time.