Do I Have to Give Up Coffee After Weight Loss Surgery?

Weight loss surgery comes with a commitment to lifelong changes. Does bariatric surgery mean you have to give up coffee, too? That may make life seem almost unbearable, even if you’re willing to make the other lifestyle changes that are necessary for success. 

Surgeons or dietitians may recommend or require that you give up coffee because of its caffeine content or acidity. But what if you could find a brand of coffee that has less acid, or you could avoid caffeine? Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee is one example. If you want to drink coffee after weight loss surgery, ask your surgeon if a brand with less acid is okay. 

Reasons to Avoid Coffee After Weight Loss Surgery

Why might your surgeon or dietitian tell you to give up coffee after bariatric surgery? These are some reasons.

• Coffee is an acidic beverage. Some people with acid reflux or heartburn say that drinking coffee triggers their symptoms. You can be at higher risk for heartburn and acid reflux after weight loss surgery.
• Regular coffee has caffeine. Caffeine is a known trigger for acid reflux and heartburn. It stimulates acid production in the stomach, and it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) so it’s easier for acid to rise up from the stomach to the esophagus.
• Coffee can interfere with weight loss. Coffee itself is low-calorie, but drinking it with cream, sugar, or flavoring syrups can increase the calorie content of your beverage. 
• Caffeine can interfere with healing after surgery.

So do you have to give up coffee after weight loss surgery? Probably not! 

Benefits of Coffee After Weight Loss Surgery

The thing is, coffee has a lot of benefits, too! Here are some benefits for weight loss surgery patients.

• Coffee is hydrating. Even though caffeine is a diuretic, which means that it makes your body lose water, brewed coffee is a liquid. The net effect is that drinking coffee helps you achieve your fluid intake goals after weight loss surgery, and that’s tough to do and important to do! If you’re worried about caffeine, just choose a decaffeinated variety, such as Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee - Decaf in Whole Bean or Ground versions.
• Coffee can be comforting. If you’re used to it as a morning ritual or late-night wind-down, drinking it can be a positive habit. The warmth of coffee can be especially important in the months after weight loss surgery when you may be cold from rapid weight loss. (Don’t drink it too hot right after surgery, though, as it can be irritating).
• Coffee drinkers have several health benefits, such as improved blood sugar control and lower risk for certain types of cognitive decline. 

Drinking Coffee After Weight Loss Surgery

Here are some tips for drinking coffee after weight loss surgery.

• A low-acid brand, such as Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee, is most consistent with a low-acid diet.
• Avoiding caffeine can speed healing and reduce acid reflux.
• Using sugar-free syrup, non-nutritive sweeteners, and low-calorie milk substitutes can help keep your coffee beverage low in calories but still delicious. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee Regular French Roast is a smooth blend that has notes of chocolate, nuts, and fruit. 

Even though most providers suggest staying away from coffee after bariatric surgery, there’s a good chance you can continue to enjoy your coffee. A brand such as Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee can be a great option, since it has a reduced acid content and it comes in Regular, Half Caff, and Decaf options. Ask your provider if it’s okay, and then pour yourself a comforting, delicious cup of Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee!