Hi all,

I started this journey believing I wanted the sleeve because there is supposed to be easier recovery and it's cheaper (I am self pay) but after reading, googling and speaking to professionals at my bariatric center I changed my thinking and decided that bypass was the better surgery for me.

My reasons: I am 49 yrs old with a 49 bmi. I have a lot of weight to lose, I'm not getting any younger and bypass has a higher rate of weight loss. Also, it looks like with a bypass I will have a better chance of keeping it off, and since menopause is right around the corner, that is important.

But now here is my problem with my decision...I have many issues that I need to take NSAIDs for. Such as: osteoporosis, meniscus surgery, degenerative spinal pain, hip pain, major period cramps, breast soreness...the list goes on and on. I have been attempting to use Tylenol as a substitute but it does absolutely nothing.

I understand that much of these pains will get better as my weight decreases but many will not and I also have to consider the fact that some will get WORSE as I age. And what about arthritis pain?

I have been googling NSAID alternatives and am only finding "natural cures" (I'm sorry but these are all but useless for heavy duty pain)

no real medications that replace them.

Please, if you have discovered an alternative medication or have gone through this yourself and found a solution to this problem I would be so grateful for the knowledge.

I was sleeved Dec 2011; hit goal after losing approx 150# in Feb 2013 and have been maintaining ever since. I turn 52 in a few weeks - I was post menopausal when I was sleeved so all the strikes against me after a lifetime of obesity...

Having said that, I think the rny is a great procedure and should be seriously considered.

This is a topic of much "debate" or differences between surgeons. I had a BMI of 52, was sleeved nearly 5 years ago and maintaining at a normal size/weight - essentially half my former size.

I had a horrible time with a kidney stone and had to take IB for about 3 weeks. My surgeon's office was freaked out, insisted I take a PPI, take it with food etc - everything to protect the stomach. I believe the issue is that IB (NSAID) can increase your risk of an ulcer and post bariatric surgery, well, ulcers are bad.

I have no idea what the facts are, what the research says because I know there are long term sleevers who take NSAIDs.

Thank you for your response CowgirlJane! I have read conflicting studies about nsaids and the sleeve. Some say no never, some say rarely, some say rarely but with ppi and some say it is perfectly safe with the sleeve. Very frustrating. So you have maintained your weight for five years now with a sleeve? Can I ask how old you are?

I was sleeved Dec 2011; hit goal after losing approx 150# in Feb 2013 and have been maintaining ever since. I turn 52 in a few weeks - I was post menopausal when I was sleeved so all the strikes against me after a lifetime of obesity...

Having said that, I think the rny is a great procedure and should be seriously considered.

This is a topic of much "debate" or differences between surgeons. I had a BMI of 52, was sleeved nearly 5 years ago and maintaining at a normal size/weight - essentially half my former size.

I had a horrible time with a kidney stone and had to take IB for about 3 weeks. My surgeon's office was freaked out, insisted I take a PPI, take it with food etc - everything to protect the stomach. I believe the issue is that IB (NSAID) can increase your risk of an ulcer and post bariatric surgery, well, ulcers are bad.

I have no idea what the facts are, what the research says because I know there are long term sleevers who take NSAIDs.

Thank you for your response CowgirlJane! I have read conflicting studies about nsaids and the sleeve. Some say no never, some say rarely, some say rarely but with ppi and some say it is perfectly safe with the sleeve. Very frustrating. So you have maintained your weight for five years now with a sleeve? Can I ask how old you are?

msujester,

I do not have any judgement of marijuana use whether recreational or medical. I have not used it recreationally since my younger years however and am unable to use it medically because I live in a state that quite possibly will be the last hold out to legalize. My job also does random drug testing so there's that too. I am definately going to look in to getting the cortizone shot for my hip. Can't hurt to try it right? Let me ask...have you ever thought that maybe you should have tried the sleeve on for size when the pain gets really bad? Thank you for your feedback. It is quite helpful.

msujester,

Let me ask...have you ever thought that maybe you should have tried the sleeve on for size when the pain gets really bad? Thank you for your feedback. It is quite helpful.

No, not really. But mostly because the severe pain is in my hip and and Advil never really helped my hip anyway. Might be a different story if my knees were killing me because it does help my knees. But my knees are actually a little better due to the drop in weight.

2 months out and no regrets so far. I've been pretty lucky. It's tough, but it's working how it's designed.

CowgirlJane,

Sounds like we have a bit in common. What you have done is amazing! Well done my friend!

Do you think you are the norm or do you think you are the exception? Is this a case of "If I can do it anyone can" or is this a case of constant vigilance and work? Do you know of more people who have accomplished what you have or do you know more people who have regained down the line? I just asked the same question three times didn't I! LOL

Thank you for your honest and insightful perspective msujester. I am feeling much less fustrated and lost then I was when I first posed this question.

Thank you for your honest and insightful perspective msujester. I am feeling much less fustrated and lost then I was when I first posed this question.

You're welcome. I truly hope you get relief from a cortisone shot for your hip if you chose that route. It really is the only thing preserving my sanity until I can have it replaced.

I'm also sure whichever surgery you chose will work for you. There are a lot of challenges, but there are lots of challenges with obesity too.

I've lost 90 lbs since I started this process in February, half of it since surgery on 3/21. I am almost completely off my blood pressure meds (should be 100% off within a couple of weeks), and will be in a MUCH better place for my joint replacement surgeries.

I am almost exactly in the same boat as you (I am 48 with a 49 BMI), and have had the same realization that the bypass is a much better option when you have as serious a fight as we do, with our age and the amount of weight we need to lose. And....I know this isn't popular, but....some of the 5-year sleeve data doesn't seem as strong as was hoped; it's still a great improvement, but long term results are still unknown. And the 20 years of data on the RNY is pretty nice.

If it makes you feel any better.....maybe you and I won't have to worry about monthly cramps much longer.

I am definately going to try cortizone for the hip pain. Congratulations on your successes thus far msujester. I am touched by your support.

I am almost exactly in the same boat as you (I am 48 with a 49 BMI), and have had the same realization that the bypass is a much better option when you have as serious a fight as we do, with our age and the amount of weight we need to lose. And....I know this isn't popular, but....some of the 5-year sleeve data doesn't seem as strong as was hoped; it's still a great improvement, but long term results are still unknown. And the 20 years of data on the RNY is pretty nice.

If it makes you feel any better.....maybe you and I won't have to worry about monthly cramps much longer.

LOL gina171!

I hope that is true! That day could not come soon enough for me. I haven't "needed" a period for 30 years now but it just keeps hanging on like an unwelcome visitor when it's past your dinner time

Firstly- @

Go green! Sparty On!

@@ridgerunner

@@gina171

I say we make a 48/49 club since the three of us are in exactly the same place! Lol. Good luck ladies!

Edited May 20, 201610 yr by LisaMergs

I turned 48 today! [emoji22] I'm hoping to weigh much less on my 49th!

Firstly- @

Go green! Sparty On!

Go White!

I turned 48 today! [emoji22] I'm hoping to weigh much less on my 49th!

I'm 49 on June 1--- I plan on being DYNAMITE for my 50th!!!! Heck, as it is, I already feel like a million bucks! Almost 60 lbs down from my highest weight! 50 from surgery 8 weeks ago. Now to get to the onederland...25 lbs to go!

Good Luck LisaMergs! You rock!

This is a topic of much "debate" or differences between surgeons. I had a BMI of 52, was sleeved nearly 5 years ago and maintaining at a normal size/weight - essentially half my former size.

I had a horrible time with a kidney stone and had to take IB for about 3 weeks. My surgeon's office was freaked out, insisted I take a PPI, take it with food etc - everything to protect the stomach. I believe the issue is that IB (NSAID) can increase your risk of an ulcer and post bariatric surgery, well, ulcers are bad.

I have no idea what the facts are, what the research says because I know there are long term sleevers who take NSAIDs.

I take NSAIDS all the time. Well, not ALL the time, but I rototill gardens and yards on the side and will take them as my hands and joints tend to swell pretty good after a full day. From what I understand, Sleeve patients shouldn't take them for the first 6 months post-op as the swelling actually helps keep the stitching sealed until proper healing occurs. Reduce the swelling too soon, and a leak may present itself.

At least, that is how my Dr explained it to me. Over a week, I will take no less than 4 to 5K mg. Never been an issue, but as LSL points out, consult your team.

Been sleeved almost five years and am maintaining at goal.