Gastric Sleeve and Coffee Consumption
Coffee is an iconic beverage, and one enjoyed in moderation by many around the globe. Gastric sleeve is a type of weight loss surgery in which a significant portion of the stomach is removed. Here, the question is can individuals who have undergone gastric sleeve procedure, take decaffeinated coffee?
From a medicinal perspective, people who have had gastric sleeve operation usually get recommended to drink decaffeinated drinks in order to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Decaffeinated coffee is known to provide the flavour of coffee without the risks associated with its caffeine content. Consuming decaffeinated coffee, might help people get their coffee fix while having fewer risks and possible complications.
Before undergoing the procedure, it is best to discuss with the doctor about any guidelines for nursing the body post-surgery, including any restrictions on food and beverages. Generally, post-gastric sleeve people are advised to steer away from sugary drinks or caffeinated drinks that cause acid reflux, jitteriness, and other irritable symptoms. Apart from this, it is noted that the shorter digestive tract of gastric sleeve may be cause further complications for nutritional absorption and can make the body more prone to stomach aches. This means that gastric sleeve patients may not handle caffeine, even decaffeinated coffee, as well as other people.
Consuming coffee can have both positive and negative effects depending on the individual needs. Caffeinated coffee increases heart rate and can cause more issues in terms of acid reflux. On the other hand, decaffeinated coffee may still cause stomach aches and indigestion. According to the research papers, individuals with past bariatric surgery need to be especially selective with their choice of coffee as they are likely to be more sensitive to caffeine.
Nutritionists suggest that people with gastric sleeve may still experience some adverse reactions when drinking decaffeinated brands of coffee. In the end, it advertises on the individual to find balance and make the right choices for their health. Ultimately, it is best for anyone coming out of bariatric surgery to avoid or restrict their intake of caffeine-containing foods, even if it is decaffeinated.
Moreover, to keep the discomfort at bay and make sure that no damage is done to the stomach, it is important to keep a healthy amount of fluids in the body, and especially recommended to avoid acidic foods.
The Benefits of Decaffeinated Coffee for Gastric Sleeve Patients
There are some potential benefits for those who choose to make decaffeinated coffee a part of their diet post-surgery. Decaffeinated coffee will still include the same antioxidants and nutrients as its caffeinated counterpart, just without the jittery side-effects that come with it. Therefore, despite the potential drawbacks of drinking decaf coffee, having Bariatric surgery should not mean eliminating it entirely as there are positive benefits to consuming it in small amounts.
Decaffeinated coffee could be potentially beneficial for people after surgery, as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that having an anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial for healing, and as a result, decaffeinated coffee can provide some added advantage due to its antioxidant nature.
People who have recently undergone gastric sleeve surgery may experience bouts of nausea, headaches, and joint pains. Consuming decaf coffee can help them relax and reduce their pain thresholds, allowing them to go back to their regular activities. The anti-inflammatory properties in low-caffeine beverages such as decaf can offer some relief, allowing individuals to complete their daily tasks.
Impact of Decaffeinated Coffee on Weight Loss
Weight loss is one of the primary goals that individuals trying to lose weight after gastric sleeve surgery hope to achieve. Coffee can still be part of that process, as it can be beneficial for controlling hunger and boosting metabolic rate. While caffeinated coffee does contain more antioxidants and compounds that may aid in weight loss, the data is inconclusive.
Decaffeinated coffee, on the other hand, may still have an effect on weight loss, as studies suggest that the substances found in coffee could potentially promote thermogenesis. Since bariatric patients may not be able to handle the effects of caffeine, decaffeinated coffee may be a better option even if the results may be less potent.
Furthermore, there are also some preliminary findings that suggest that decaffeinated coffee can improve the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals. For those hoping to still get some coffee while working on their weight-loss journey, decaffeinated coffee could offer a nice alternative.
Limitations of Decaffeinated Coffee for Gastric Sleeve Patients
In general, caffeine-laden coffees like espresso and black coffee are seen as a potential irritant for individuals with bariatric surgery. Meanwhile, consuming decaffeinated coffee can still result in digestive disturbances.
Decaffeinated coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine and could cause symptoms such as irritability, sleep disruption, and headaches. Furthermore, having a cocktail of hot and cold beverages could also cause discomfort and possible swelling in the affected area due to slow digestion.
In addition, decaffeinated coffee still contains some of the acids present in regular coffee and can cause heartburn, indigestion, and even inflammation of the stomach’s lining in some cases. New studies have also shown that the amount of caffeine present in decaffeinated coffee is enough to increase the risk of complications such as GERD and gastritis.
Alternatives to Coffee
The good news is that there are alternative beverages to coffee which can provide some of the same health benefits without the risk of adverse side-effects. For instance, individuals can try herbal teas that are caffeine-free, such as peppermint, chamomile, ginger, or even hibiscus.
Fish oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and can be consumed orally or through incorporating the oil into various recipes. Bone broth is also known for promoting gut health, and can provide a calming effect, reduce inflammation, and reduce the risk of complications.
Conclusion
Decaffeinated coffee can be consumed by gastric sleeve patients as long as they pay attention to the symptoms they experience while drinking it. Although it can still affect individuals differently, based on their individual health needs, individuals should pay attention to the amount of decaf coffee they consume, as even a small amount could have an effect.
It is recommended that people who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery should consult their doctor before adding any coffee to their diets, decaffeinated or not. Furthermore, they should also opt for alternative drinks such as herbal teas and bone broths, as they are known to have added benefits for weight loss and overall health.
