Before surgery, I had edema pretty bad in both ankles so my General had me on 1 low-dose aspirin every night before bed as precaution to blood clots.

Since before surgery, my surgeon has taken me off the aspirin and told me not to return to it. HOWEVER, I have noticed that EVERY night I wake up at 2 am JUST to move my legs and my arms. I am always horribly stiff in both arms and legs. I drink plenty of Water every day and move around as well.

I use a CPAP and I don't move AT ALL the entire night - other than at 2 am.

Is there an alternative to taking the low-dose? If I moved at night, I wouldn't be as concerned about blood clots, but considering they gave me a blood thinner for an hour-long surgery...

I would consult with a doctor for an answer to this question. Of course there are alternatives to low-dose aspirin. Many people are on daily blood-thinners. You'll need to find one that is compatible with a lapband so do mention this to the person with whom you consult.

When was your surgery....

Which Doc put you on and took you off the med? Your Surgeon or your Primary? And did he say why?

Was it immediately following surgery? or later.....

And what was the reason you were taking it in the first place...for stiff joints? or was it related directly to your edema...

I have had one heart Attack, and Cardiac Surgery...since then I have been on blood thinners along with low dose aspirin for over 3 years now...I simply stopped it 10 days before surgery, and was told to stay off it for 2 weeks following for bleeding issues...but since then it has been a daily ritual....

I have an appointment with My cardiologist in March, going to talk to him about getting off it since everything about my health has dramatically improved if not totally reversed....

And that is something you can look forward to also....an over whelming # of people have undergone WLS primarily due to poor health associated with Obesity....

There are many success stories here from people regaining their health after loosing the weight....

Speaking for myself, I had numerous health issues...and my Dr. had no reservations saying I would be lucky to live 2-3 more years....and then not a very good quality of life...

But after WLS, and dropping the weight, I have totally regained my health, many issues no longer exist! I am off almost all my meds, and I have NO HEALTH COMPLAINTS....

I could go on about many other things, but you get the picture....

B-52: my surgery was 12/18/2013. My WLS surgeon told me to stop taking them 2 weeks prior to surgery and then after surgery he told me not to take them anymore as they weren't needed and could cause band erosion.

I was originally on the aspirin for the edema by my Primary Care. I had been checked for clots several times and it was determined by a vein specialist that I have Veinous Reflux. That specialist recommended surgery to kill/close the largest veins in each leg. I asked if keeping them open was life threatening and he said they weren't so I refused surgery. The aspirin and drinking lots of Water fully controlled the edema. Now, with just the 25 pounds I have lost thus far, I've had no edema issues at all. However, because of no movement while sleeping, I'm scared of clotting. I've also begun to have Charlie Horses more often upon waking I suspect because I'm not moving.

Also, Congratulations, B-52 on the loss of weight AND health issues! I'm anxious for the day this journey really begins with restriction so I can start dropping health issues!!

This is definitely one to consult with your doctor. Hope you get the answers you seek. Good luck!

I have severe arthritis and fibromyalgia and I take two alleve every day and have for four years. I would think if you took a baby aspirin which is the same thing as a low dose aspirin and chew it up that it would not be an issue but that should be discussed with your doctor. My primary is aware that I have the lapband and I have had no issues because really nothing stays in your band for hours. It digest in less then a minute. I would think if anything it would be an issue for the bottom of your stomach. I wouldn't do anything that I thought would cause me issues and it hasn't. But that is up to you and your doctor to decided.

Before surgery, I had edema pretty bad in both ankles so my General had me on 1 low-dose aspirin every night before bed as precaution to blood clots.

Since before surgery, my surgeon has taken me off the aspirin and told me not to return to it. HOWEVER, I have noticed that EVERY night I wake up at 2 am JUST to move my legs and my arms. I am always horribly stiff in both arms and legs. I drink plenty of Water every day and move around as well.

I use a CPAP and I don't move AT ALL the entire night - other than at 2 am.

Is there an alternative to taking the low-dose? If I moved at night, I wouldn't be as concerned about blood clots, but considering they gave me a blood thinner for an hour-long surgery...

We are all unique as to our tolerances. That said, you should definitely consult with both your prescribing physician for the asperin, and your

PCP.

The general thinking is that NSAID meds can cause irritation to the esophagus and pouch. The possible resulting issues are painful to manage. I had 3 surgeries the first year I had my band, my bariatric surgeon had given me permission to take a few Advil Liquigels. The end result was painful gastritis which had to be treated with several months of Carafate.

That is only my experience, and I am not implying this could/would happen to you. It would be helpful to discuss the possibility of alternative and safe medications for a Bandster.

Best wishes...

Sojourner: WOW! Thank you for the info - I will check with my doctors before I start taking them again.

Thank you also for your family member that serves!

My surgeon told me to never take aspirin bc it can damage the band.

I'm going to have to check with my doctors now too, my primary wants me taking a low dose everyday for heart reasons, but my bariatric hasn't said anything about not taking the! Now I'm worried, sure dont't want to damage my band!