I'm almost a month out from RNY and need to know what drug I can take for headaches. I know I can't have Advil anymore?

Tylenol or you may have to get a prescription pain reliever. I'm in that place now trying find medications that will work for my migraines. Good luck.

Thanks @Gawildcat

Or should I say @@GAWildKat LOL

I was told only Tylenol after surgery.

Well it was already way late in the evening when I had a migraine last night and I took an Excedrin Migraine for it. Except instead of the usual dose of two, I just took one and it helped me amazingly and everything feels fine so far. I'm sure I'll call and ask my doctor to know what to do for future cases, but it sure helped.

For future reference, Excedrin has aspirin in it so it is a no no (though I confess I too took one once out of desperation). I too have struggled win this. Tylenol and a little caffeinated drink (not carbonated) might help. Let us know if your Dr has any better suggestions.

All NSAIDS are "contraindicated" (i.e., forbidden) because they have a high likelihood of causing ulcers in WLS patients. NSAIDs include:

Ibuprofen (e.g. brand names Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

Naproxen (e.g. brand names Aleve, Naprosyn)

COX-2 inhibitors (e.g. brand name Celebrex)

Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, Excedrin)

Google around and you will find many reputable sources, which all say the same thing: No to NSAIDs for WLS patients.

As far as I know, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the only over the counter pain reliever we can use (there may be some others by prescription).

@@toasty - when you say ulcers, does that relate only to stomach ulcers? Or can mouth ulcers develop from this too?

@@theother_onefoot I frankly don't remember exactly, but I only think it is stomach ulcers. Something about the fact that the NSAIDs affect the lining of the stomach, and with a much smaller pouch the effect is even greater for WLS patients than with people with a full-sized stomach, leading to greater risk of ulcers.

Google around about it to get more details, or ask your doctor.

@@toasty - thanks for the info! I did Google it a bit more and on information about mouth ulcers, it does say that certain OTC pain relievers can cause them.. My boyfriend has had a lap band for a few years and he gets mouth ulcers all the time. I used to think maybe it was just stress, but thinking back about how he says he has a headache all the time and ONLY takes Advil ever, it makes me wonder if the two are now connected. Never would have thought about this without your post!

Tylenol, ice pack, hot cloth, hot shower, close your eyes while visualizing a big bonfire(totally relieves some of the pain in the moment).

I take Celebrex for severe arthritis. I discontinued it for the surgery but had to go back on it for severe pain. My dr prescribed Prevacid with it so I won't get ulcers.

Every case is different. Talk to your dr, ask your pharmacist for suggestions, you will find something for migraines.

But, you are right, tylenol is usually the way to go.