Okay

I know I cant have NSAIDS but is this forever? My PCP didn't know the answer. I desperately need mega doses of ibuprophine once a month. My Dr gave me some tylenol with codine but I know thats not going to do the trick.

Usually I take 6-8 advil every 6-8 hours for about 3 days. If I don't I am seriously incapacitated by cramps. Does anyone know if our stomachs are strong enough for NSAIDS ever again. If so I'm sure i could get a script for 800mg instead of doing the mega dose thing.

Thanks

Stacey

Edited April 28, 201016 yr by stcyt

I take NSAIDs a few times a week. There are no medication restrictions with VSG. I definitely make sure to take them right before a meal or a snack to ensure that you have coated your stomach.

I took a couple of 800mg Ibuprofen when I was in Tx and didn't have any Alleve. I swallowed it with Water then eat a couple little slices of deli meat. It caused zero discomfort or any issues with my sleeve. I used Child's motrin post-op with my surgeon's okay because I was tired of being knocked out with the liquid lortab.

Ahh thanks. My post op stuff says avoid NSAIDS, but I didn't know for how long. They are the one drug I can't live without (unless I absolutly have too)

My doctor said no nsaids or aspirin ever, as in for life, without the use of a stomach coating medication which you have to be prescribed. This includes steroid injections. Tylenol only. He is pretty strict I guess. I think it sucks too as ibuprofen is the only over the counter medication that has ever helped me with my back and neck issues but I have been going without and doing ok I guess. I am hoping as I lose more weight my back and neck will feel better anyway and I won't need any pain reliever anymore. Although I have to admit I have come home from work with a bad neck and headache that tylenol just can't fix and taken leftover pain meds which is probably not very good for me either.

My doctor said no nsaids or aspirin ever, as in for life, without the use of a stomach coating medication which you have to be prescribed. This includes steroid injections. Tylenol only. He is pretty strict I guess. I think it sucks too as ibuprofen is the only over the counter medication that has ever helped me with my back and neck issues but I have been going without and doing ok I guess. I am hoping as I lose more weight my back and neck will feel better anyway and I won't need any pain reliever anymore. Although I have to admit I have come home from work with a bad neck and headache that tylenol just can't fix and taken leftover pain meds which is probably not very good for me either.

Just because I've never heard the "for life" rule with the sleeve, did he give you a reason? Since we have a normal stomach, just smaller in size, the theory is that there is not a chance of ulceration like with RNY and Band patients with their little pouches.

Edit to add: I'm not a fan of using Tylenol due to the liver stuff. Especially through the rapid weight loss phase when our livers are being tasked double/triple time to compensate for all of the changes we are putting our bodies through.

Edited April 28, 201016 yr by Tiffykins

I've taken Ibuprofen cause it's the only pain med that helps my pain. . I take 800 mg prn (sorry whenever i need it) . . it hasn't caused me any problems thusfar either. . . I guess taking it daily over a long period of time could cause some problems but it could've done that with our normal tummies as well. . .

My surgeon told me the same thing-no more Motrin-I said "EVER? An 800 mg Motrin is the only thing that takes the edge off of the migraines I sometimes get!" Then he said, "well maybe once in a while but not on a regular basis...take tylenol for pain." I hope your info is correct and that these surgeons are using the RNY protocol instead of the sleeve when they say "no" to ibuprofen.

Tiffy,

I wish I had a better answer for you but I wasn't given specific reasoning. I looked over all my folders but could only find information saying do not take nsaids ever without first getting a rx for cytotec or misoprostol, which is the stomach coating medicine. I will ask my doctor at my next follow-up appointment. I actually really hate it when someone including doctors tell me to do something without backing it up with a reason why. I am assuming it is for the same reasons as the RNY and Lap-Band patients, higher risk for ulcers and what not. I know once the stomach heals it should act as a normal stomach but maybe he is conservative still since research is still fairly limited. That is my best guess without asking first. By all means I am not saying anyone on here or their doctors are wrong. I actually read a lot of information online saying that VSG was a good alternative for patients with things like RA who take a lot of NSAID medications. It seems to me that all the doctors have varying opinions about pretty much everything I am sure this is no different. But I will certainly ask him and get back to you. Sorry I wasn't more help.

Thank you bunches. I've heard other surgeons say not immediately post-op. I think I was close to a month out, had those drains and the liquid lortab was knocking me out.

Obviously, I'm not advocating going against doctor's orders, but I have read more than one article on NSAID use with VSG and that was one of my determining factors in deciding VSG over RNY for my revision. I literally hate taking tylenol.

Here's an excerpt from the Thread on here from Information from Dr. Jossart:

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/ask-dr-gregg-jossart/2356-vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy-information-dr-gregg-jossart.html

Low BMI individuals who should consider this procedure include:

• Those who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, Protein deficiency and Vitamin deficiency.
  
• Those who are considering a Lap-Band? but are concerned about a foreign body or worried about frequent adjustments or finding a band adjustment physician.
  
• Those who have other medical problems that prevent them from having weight loss surgery such as anemia, Crohn’s disease, extensive prior surgery, severe asthma requiring frequent steroid use, and other complex medical conditions.
  
• People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider the Vertical Gastrectomy. Unlike the gastric bypass where these medications are associated with a very high incidence of ulcer, the VSG does not seem to have the same issues. Also, Lap-Band? patients are at higher risks for complications from NSAID use.
  

All surgical weight loss procedures have certain risks, complications and benefits. The ultimate result from weight loss surgery is dependent on the patients risk, how much education they receive from their surgeon, commitment to diet, establishing an exercise routine and the surgeons experience. As Dr. Jamieson summarized in 1993, “Given good motivation, a good operation technique and good education, patients can achieve weight loss comparable to that from more invasive procedures”.

Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages

Vertical Gastrectomy Advantages

• Reduces stomach capacity but tends to allow the stomach to function normally so most food items can be consumed, albeit in small amounts.
  
• Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin).
  
• Dumping syndrome is avoided or minimized because the pylorus is preserved.
  
• Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring.
  
• By avoiding the intestinal bypass, almost eliminates the chance of intestinal obstruction (blockage), marginal ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency.
  
• Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI > 55 kg/m2).
  
• Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 30-50 kg/m2).
  
• Appealing option for people who are concerned about the complications of intestinal bypass procedures or who have existing anemia, Crohn’s disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures.
  
• Appealing option for people who are concerned about the foreign body aspect of Banding procedures.
  
• Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 500 pounds, thereby providing all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery: fewer wound and lung problems, less pain, and faster recovery.
  

wow

lots of different post op instructions on this one. How long would you say it is before your stomach is "completely healed" ? Just in case I want to go that route. I'll probably end up emailing my surgeon. I'll keep you guys updated on his response.

do you guys think one perscription 800mg ibuprophine is better than 4 200mg over the counter ibuprophin? :thumbup1:

Tiff thanks for putting up that excerpt-I will bring it with me to educate my surgeon...(I'm not kidding). I think he sort of lumps the sleeve with the rny and figures it's a safer bet to say no to nsaids.

do you guys think one perscription 800mg ibuprophine is better than 4 200mg over the counter ibuprophin? :thumbup1:

Hmmm, I'm not sure. Next time you run to Wal-Mart or by a pharmacy, seriously pop over and ask the pharmacist because they know best. I ask my pharmacist at Walgreen's crazy stuff all the time, and she really is awesome. Especially, when I started taking more supplements, I wanted to make sure nothing would interact with my other meds.

Four 200mg over the counter ibuprophen is the same thing as one 800mg prescription ibuprohen.

Four 200mg over the counter ibuprophen is the same thing as one 800mg prescription ibuprohen.

does it have the same impact on stomach linining. Intuitively I would think the 800 mg would be better but I don't know.

BTW... my doc said they should be avoided if possible...particularly long term use. Hows that for nailing it down for us? :lol0:

Excellent posts. Tiffy, as usual you have the best info. My surgeon said NEVER, but now I am going to question him on it. Thanks