I have had some problems since surgery because of lying around and the way I was stetched out on the table--nothing they did wrong, just my out of shape joints and muscles (didn't know I even had any until they started to hurt!!). Anyway, I have been having alot of Sciatica and problems with my SI Joint (runs along the pelvis, butt, sciatic...basically an area you don't just go around talking about--butt cheeks) and since we cannot take anti-inflammatories I was screwed!! I have been having to go to physical therapy and having ultrasound treatments and deep tissue massage (yes, I told the girl I am soooooo sorry she doesn't even know me and she has to rub, of all places, MY BUTT!!..). They had given me some more Lortab--and I say, it is like they truly think I am trying to traffic them or something because I basically had to let them see me cry in agony to have them believe how horrible and painful it is(all this from my regular dr., not my lapband dr because i thought it was more of an ortho or neuro problem at first). I've never asked for 'painkillers' before, but they treated me like I was a naughty girl for even asking. I must say, general docs aren't much up on the rules and procedures for patients of banding or BP because I had to REMIND them that I can't take things with aspirin/ibu and they said "well, this is really going to be difficult then"--so supportive!!

Does anyone have anything they take that helps promote joints and muscles since we can't take my beloved ibuprofen?

Would love any thoughts.

There are reasons why some docs say no to NSAIDs such as Motrin.

One is that it USED to be thought that NSAIDs could cause erosion. Now they know that isn't true.

They thought reflux caused erosion and they now know that isn't true either but NSAIDs can potentially cause more stomach acid.

You have a stoma now. It is a part of your stomach that is more fragile than the section of your stomach used to be. The real key here is that they don't want you taking a tablet that will get stuck in your stoma and burn a hole in your stomach.

Many docs are fine with NSAIDs, they prefer liquid with an 8oz glass of Water as a chaser.

Each doc is different, some docs are fine with them, some are not. Talk to your doc and find out WHY he doesn't want you to take them. If it is due to erosion, that's has been proven to NOT be the cause of erosion. So that is no excuse. Some docs just want you to really baby your newbie pouch and stoma. So find out why he feels as he does and talk to him about it.

I was banded on 9/20 and my Dr. insisted that I take pain meds for the next few days and I'm sure glad she did. I was told that I could take liquid tylenol as well. No aleve, motrin, etc though. Hope your pain gets better.

I'm able to take tylenol, it just does nothing for me. Headaches or swelling were just a simple solution with motrin, at least for me. I understand the WHY, it is just a bummer and I was hoping maybe someone else might have something that has worked for them when they have the need.

Even if it is something that is a daily joint/muscle vitamin of some sort...just to keep myself moving and not so stiff while this is healing. I know things like Flaxseed Oil or other oils you buy at health food stores are what they encourage for joint health-- just curious how much they really work before I go spend the money--am willing to whatever to move easier in the morning....I mean, for goodness sake--I'm only 37 and am 30lbs lighter...I should be dancing!!

I wish I had a suggestion for you.

I'm morning the loss of ibuprofen as well. Tylenol does help me with headaches but nothing else. Especially not with cramps. I'm in the process of getting some major dental work done too.

I had to stop taking ibuprofen about 2 months before banding because I ended up with the start of a small ulcer and GERD. It's best for me not to have NSAIDS anyway ...

I hope you feel better. If nothing else, maybe the weight loss will help.

I use to take 4 advil at a time for the same reason (Sciatic nerve, and bulging disks due to inflamed muscles)..

Now, instead of constantly popping them.. tylenol doesn't work for my pains.. I only take them when I can't bear it anymore. And I only take 2, make sure I'm on an empty stomach, and down a LOT of water with it.

I can't give up NSAIDS completely, but I limit them now.

I'm able to take tylenol, it just does nothing for me. Headaches or swelling were just a simple solution with motrin, at least for me. I understand the WHY, it is just a bummer and I was hoping maybe someone else might have something that has worked for them when they have the need.

Even if it is something that is a daily joint/muscle Vitamin of some sort...just to keep myself moving and not so stiff while this is healing. I know things like Flaxseed Oil or other oils you buy at health food stores are what they encourage for joint health-- just curious how much they really work before I go spend the money--am willing to whatever to move easier in the morning....I mean, for goodness sake--I'm only 37 and am 30lbs lighter...I should be dancing!!

Well, first...for my girlie time of the month...motrin is the only thing that will cut it, so....children's motrin (liquid form) is what I use...with LOTS of Water to swoosh it right through.

As for the other...I take flaxseed regularly and my cholestrol came down 29 pts. since last year. I totally believe in the joint supplements. I've got a friend that should be in a wheelchair with her knee issues but she takes the joint supplements and she's a EMT.

I figure that if I baby my tummy, and really make sure that the motrin is flushed straight through, and I don't take too much, it should be ok. And...seriously, I'm a supplement person, and it's been great for me for years. Good luck! :clap2:

<p>No more ibuprofen is one of the things I worry about most after banding. I hope my surgeon has some great alternatives for me because Tylenol doesn't help a bit.</p>