No NSAIDS with the Sleeve?

[sonya139 95]

I wanted to get RNY for many many months and that's where I did most of my research but recently changed my mind and decided I wanted the Sleeve. One of the reasons is that arthritis runs in my family and I deal with foot pain after hard workouts and have had two foot surgeries. I didn't want to close that door and not be able to take Aleeve, ext. Tylenol doesn't do much for me. On another forum I learned that Sleevers are being advised from their discharge instructions not the take NSAIDs. I saw it on a post so I put the question out there. I got 13 responses from various people from different states, different hospitals and one person who got their surgery in Mexico and all of them were told No NSAIDS. Did you all get the same information?

[Cupcake 801]

Hi I was told you can not use any NSAIDs with both procedure

[sonya139 95]

Thanks so much Cupcake

[PdxMan 4,292]

NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory analgesics. Immediately after your procedure, your stomach is quite swollen for awhile and this swelling actually aids in the prevention of leaks along your suture (staple line). So, if you take NSAIDs, you may cause the swelling to go down too soon before the body has had time to create the scar tissue permanently sealing your stomach.

It is not a permanent thing, just for the 6 weeks or so post-op until your suture line has completely healed and scared over. As always, talk to your doctor about when you are able to start taking them. I am not a doctor and do not play one on TV or the internet.

[Mrs.RRn 2,110]

Every doctor will say something different.

Mine says no NSAIDS ever. Some just say for x amount of days/weeks/years after.

[sippigrl 3]

I have osteoarthritis in my knees and hands and I take a lot of ibuprofen now- my surgeon doesn't want me taking it any more either, but my understanding is the risk is like it is for anybody- risk of ulcers and heart attack. I have accepted that risk for now because I cannot sleep from the pain otherwise! I am hoping the major weight loss will greatly decrease my pain and I won't need it later- without the surgery I would surely have to continue, and probably on increasing dosages.

[PdxMan 4,292]

Also, don't be afraid to question your doctor. They are not gods. Ask them to explain their reasoning. I, for the life of me, can't understand why, 2 years post op, I wouldn't be able to take an anti-inflammatory. While absorption does take place in the stomach, they are also absorbed in the intestinal tract. If your doctor is concerned about stomach absorption, then take a coated tablet so absorption is delayed.

Again, I would question any doctor who said you can NEVER take NSAIDs again.

[sonya139 95]

Thanks so much everyone for responding. This has been an interesting discovery for me.

And I agree PdxMan. I will question my doctor. For right now he thinks I'm still pursuing RNY so it has never come up regarding the Sleeve.

[Kelsnikol 63]

My dr said no nsaids also...and I love ibuprofen especially for my knees! They said after the weight comes off if my.knees are still bothering me there is a compund they will prescribe to rub on them. So you may ask about other options.

[youthguy80 65]

Mine said no NSAIDs for life.

[PGee 318]

My surgeon said no to nsaids for the long haul (I have arthritis in my knees and missing cartilage=bone on bone)....I lived on nsaids before VSG.....

[prsist1869 4]

I had one surgeon tell me no nsaids for a year. I've had another center tell me no nsaids ever. I think the primary concern is due to ulcers in the belly. With RNY you cannot have a scope done to check for ulcers, with VSG you can. I only have one kidney so I generally stay away from nsaids anyway. I'd check with your doctor and check with a GI doctor - just to be sure.

[cindymg 629]

I got permission from my surgeon to take Advil at about 2.5 months post op. I have a recurring shoulder problem. Two Advil and I was hungry for 3 days! Totally not worth it. I got a cortisone shot for my shoulder instead.

There is an arthritis strength Tylenol. It helps more than regular Tylenol. No liquid version though, so wait until you can swallow caplets.