Hello. I have actulaay had the band first ( which I loved) but had an amergency removal due to injury. Then I had the sleevectomy but was not seeing results and had developed bile reflux due to my gallbladders inability to not over produce it. I was at the point where it was refluxing into my mouth and effecting my health. I now have the full Byepass which I like. I started my Journey at 4' 11" and 188 - 190 pounds and am now down to 124. I was at my goal of 115, before I got injured and lost my band. And I was as happy and healthy as I've been in my life. I gained a little back in between surgeries and was back up to 145. So I'm glad to be loosing again.

I however am a chronic pain sufferer due to many injuries, surgeries, and degenerative joint and disc issues, and that's just to name a few. I'm in pain management for my long term pain medication management, however I've noticed that after years on the same dose I suddenly developed issues with them not really working. I know far to well the new stigmatization put on people in my position. Coming from a large medical background I can understand the concerns of today and the trying to control the abuse of these medications. However what I can't get passed is the in ability for this country to not put people in a big box with a big label that says ADICT!!! It's just wrong. Nothing is black and white, there are many grey areas, especially in medicine. And these providers have forgotten that. There is a huge decline in the part of the job where you cared for the patient as an individual and not made them a file, paper, x-ray or number on a chart. And an even bigger neglect in the part where you MUST be Empathetic towards them. Now being on the patient side more often I not only see it but I experience it and feel ashamed of the way a job I once loved so much for its ability to help, has let even me down. Your guilty as soon as you mention the words or substances related to Opioids. Not all of us are abusing them. And many of us actually need them to have a quality of life.!!! I definitely didn't ask to get injured to this degree and loose my chance at the true medical career because of it, so needless to say I get very upset when I am treated this way. Ok enough of my rambling on.

My questions are regarding the malabsorption of these medications. I'm very big on reading about a medicine before I will take it and very passionate about the Barriatric process for good reason. However I'm still a bit confused re: this issue as I'm displaying the symptoms of someone who has this issue but not taken seriously. And my Pain Management Dr doesn't seam interested in what I feel either. Maybe because he/ she is jaded from the people who are abusers they can no longer or choose to no longer acknowledge me individually. There are issues with my GBP that prevent proper absorption of these meds, the studies say NOT to take long acting because of this as I have also tried and haven't worked. Yet they still insist I try yet another new one on the market. I don't want to be a guinny pig. Nor do I want to put myself through more physical and mental trauma when trying them goes south. I've tried to address the malabsorption issue and get told that I can take the new ER bye drinking the contents of the capsul??? Ok. But if I bond properly absorbe the ER, the pill form, then how do they think this will be any different. Honestly I'm at a loss and so tired of feeling like I have to defend my reasons for needing the meds. It's exhausting, embarrassing, and degrading. I also suffer from PTSD, compound trauma, ADHD, and have severe panic attacks. I however get looked at like an addict when the lac of treatment clearly aggravates the disorders. And the providers don't bother to consider my reaction for that, but instead I'm showing I stand addict behavior. Which BTW is extremely simmilar.

So how do I go about making my point and proving my legitimate issues properly? I know, at least from my research that I've done says STAY AWAY FROM LONG ACTING BECAUSE YOU WONT ABSORBE IT AND IT WONT WORK!! How do I make my point without looking like I'm attempting what that awful big labeled box for. I'm not here to blow smoke and make excuses. I'm legitimately concerned for the lac of treatment, and lac of care. But also the attac on my personal character. And that if others in my position.

Can anyone give me more information RE: this Opioid Malabsorption issue? I'd like as much facts as I can and be well informed.

13 hours ago, KateBruin said:

There have been a lot of studies that show opioids suck for chronic pain management. I was on pain meds for 9 years after a double fusion + ankylosing spondylitis and quit them all in December. My sister got put on Patches, went to heroin and died within a year. Personally, exercise has greatly helped me pain, so has just learning to cope with always being in a little pain. I'm definitely NOT saying exercise is a cure for everyone. I'm still in pain every day.

Glad you have found something that worked. As you said it does depend on the situation. Excersise will not improve my disability. Sorry your sister died. I use morphine rarely for my pain and it has been very helpful for me when I need it. I have also have procedures in hospital for pain managment, i am sure most people would try many other options before resorting to opiods, and I am sure many people are in phisio and would love exercise to be the answer for their pain, I also think we all learn to deal with a certain level of pain, but if someone is unable to function or get out of bed due to their pain unfortunately being okay with it does not always help.

Glad you have found something that worked. As you said it does depend on the situation. Excersise will not improve my disability. Sorry your sister died. I use morphine rarely for my pain and it has been very helpful for me when I need it. I have also have procedures in hospital for pain managment, i am sure most people would try many other options before resorting to opiods, and I am sure many people are in phisio and would love exercise to be the answer for their pain, I also think we all learn to deal with a certain level of pain, but if someone is unable to function or get out of bed due to their pain unfortunately being okay with it does not always help. [emoji4]

I agree 100% and seriously meant NOTHING judgmental or harsh by my statements. I honestly thought I would be on opioids for the rest of my life as I could barely function but for now, I'm off them. As my autoimmune disease progresses I might have to go back on opioids. Hopefully, by then I'll be able to use medicinal marijuana. For now, my career goals don't allow it.

I'm glad they offer you some relief.

I agree 100% and seriously meant NOTHING judgmental or harsh by my statements. I honestly thought I would be on opioids for the rest of my life as I could barely function but for now, I'm off them. As my autoimmune disease progresses I might have to go back on opioids. Hopefully, by then I'll be able to use medicinal marijuana. For now, my career goals don't allow it.

I'm glad they offer you some relief.

Thanks I'm in UK so completely illegal but I'm sure that would help a lot of people!

Sent from my Swift 2 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks [emoji4] I'm in UK so completely illegal but I'm sure that would help a lot of people!

Sent from my Swift 2 using BariatricPal mobile app

That sucks! My friend is in Brighton and is always huffy about how it isn't legal there. They make illegal hash cakes but obviously can't do it that frequently.

That sucks! My friend is in Brighton and is always huffy about how it isn't legal there. They make illegal hash cakes but obviously can't do it that frequently.

An old lady was sent to prison for sharing her brownies with her friends at the pensioners club lol
I think its quite extreme lol.
I've tried cbd oil I don't think it did much to help.

Sent from my Swift 2 using BariatricPal mobile app

Just wondering if you've tried a Tens unit? I have chronic pain from lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and degenerative disc disease (13 bulging discs and 1 herniated, with moderate to severe spinal stenosis). Yes, I do take Percocet, however I only take it when my pain level reaches an 8 or above. For moderate pain (5 or 6 on the pain scale), I will use a heating pad and my iTens unit. I purchased this unit because it was important for me to have it wireless. The iTens unit is rechargeable and there is an app where you can control the unit. I love it. I also have had acupuncture in the past which really helped, but insurance companies don't want to pay for alternative medicine. I had to stop getting the acupuncture because I had to go 3 times a week at $75 a pop; I just couldn't afford it anymore.

I loved acupuncture because it did help but I also can not afford it either. I have had many surgeries for back, hip, knee, and elbow problems. I did get addicted to Norco so I am wary about taking pain medication after surgery. However, I know that I will need to take the pain medication at least for a little while. I hope my RNY surgery will help my body be out of pain someday. I also hurt everyday with my back being the worst offender.

My daughter has several chronic pain conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, ehlers-danlos and dysautonomia.

One of her doctors talks about the 10% solution. No treatment for her is likely to control all her pain. So we go for 10%. If her Celebrex helps 10% and her TENS unit helps 10% and her physical therapy helps 10% and her solonpas patches help 10% and acupuncture helps 10% and her braces help 5% heat helps 5% and rest helps 5% that's 65%. She has tried some other meds including some antidepressants that have been shown to work on chronic pain and some nerve pain ones (I take Neurontin/Gabapentin for a different issue) but they don't do much for her and one actually caused a different issue.

Anyhow... I do like the 10% solution. Just something to think about. Self care can be a b***h with chronic conditions. I'm sure weight loss will be 10% for you and hopefully you can find what you need to add up to your 65%!

I am very much in favor of judicious opioid use, for sure. But I do think that our cultural expectation that we can be pain free has contributed to the opioid abuse crisis. I am NOT in any way putting you in that category. It's just something that's on my mind.

I only have the sleeve so I can't speak to the malabsorption issue. I do hope you find the answers you seek.

11 minutes ago, jess9395 said:

My daughter has several chronic pain conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, ehlers-danlos and dysautonomia.

One of her doctors talks about the 10% solution. No treatment for her is likely to control all her pain. So we go for 10%. If her Celebrex helps 10% and her TENS unit helps 10% and her physical therapy helps 10% and her solonpas Patches help 10% and acupuncture helps 10% and her braces help 5% heat helps 5% and rest helps 5% that's 65%. She has tried some other meds including some antidepressants that have been shown to work on chronic pain and some nerve pain ones (I take Neurontin/Gabapentin for a different issue) but they don't do much for her and one actually caused a different issue.

Anyhow... I do like the 10% solution. Just something to think about. Self care can be a b***h with chronic conditions. I'm sure weight loss will be 10% for you and hopefully you can find what you need to add up to your 65%!

I am very much in favor of judicious opioid use, for sure. But I do think that our cultural expectation that we can be pain free has contributed to the opioid abuse crisis. I am NOT in any way putting you in that category. It's just something that's on my mind.

I only have the sleeve so I can't speak to the malabsorption issue. I do hope you find the answers you seek.

Oh mah gosh, this is such an excellent idea!!! So sorry your daughter suffers! ((hugs to you and her)) Thank you so much for laying this idea out for me. Cuz it just might be the secret to my chronic pain issues!!!

My daughter has several chronic pain conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, ehlers-danlos and dysautonomia.

One of her doctors talks about the 10% solution. No treatment for her is likely to control all her pain. So we go for 10%. If her Celebrex helps 10% and her TENS unit helps 10% and her physical therapy helps 10% and her solonpas patches help 10% and acupuncture helps 10% and her braces help 5% heat helps 5% and rest helps 5% that's 65%. She has tried some other meds including some antidepressants that have been shown to work on chronic pain and some nerve pain ones (I take Neurontin/Gabapentin for a different issue) but they don't do much for her and one actually caused a different issue.

Anyhow... I do like the 10% solution. Just something to think about. Self care can be a b***h with chronic conditions. I'm sure weight loss will be 10% for you and hopefully you can find what you need to add up to your 65%!

I am very much in favor of judicious opioid use, for sure. But I do think that our cultural expectation that we can be pain free has contributed to the opioid abuse crisis. I am NOT in any way putting you in that category. It's just something that's on my mind.

I only have the sleeve so I can't speak to the malabsorption issue. I do hope you find the answers you seek.

I'm so sorry for your daughter's struggles. I have spondyloarthritis/ankylosing spondylitis with dysautonomia that comes and goes. I have a friend with Ehlers-danlos and it's awful. Sending positive thoughts to her. I love salonpas. It's like witchcraft for me.

My daughter has several chronic pain conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, ehlers-danlos and dysautonomia.

One of her doctors talks about the 10% solution. No treatment for her is likely to control all her pain. So we go for 10%. If her Celebrex helps 10% and her TENS unit helps 10% and her physical therapy helps 10% and her solonpas patches help 10% and acupuncture helps 10% and her braces help 5% heat helps 5% and rest helps 5% that's 65%. She has tried some other meds including some antidepressants that have been shown to work on chronic pain and some nerve pain ones (I take Neurontin/Gabapentin for a different issue) but they don't do much for her and one actually caused a different issue.

Anyhow... I do like the 10% solution. Just something to think about. Self care can be a b***h with chronic conditions. I'm sure weight loss will be 10% for you and hopefully you can find what you need to add up to your 65%!

I am very much in favor of judicious opioid use, for sure. But I do think that our cultural expectation that we can be pain free has contributed to the opioid abuse crisis. I am NOT in any way putting you in that category. It's just something that's on my mind.

I only have the sleeve so I can't speak to the malabsorption issue. I do hope you find the answers you seek.

I'm so sorry for your daughter's struggles. I have spondyloarthritis/ankylosing spondylitis with dysautonomia that comes and goes. I have a friend with Ehlers-danlos and it's awful. Sending positive thoughts to her. I love salonpas. It's like witchcraft for me.

I'm so sorry for your daughter's struggles. I have spondyloarthritis/ankylosing spondylitis with dysautonomia that comes and goes. I have a friend with Ehlers-danlos and it's awful. Sending positive thoughts to her. I love salonpas. It's like witchcraft for me.

Thank you! My heart goes out to you too, you zebras are warriors!

She was super happy to discover them! It's weird because most sticky things--glue, stickers, band aids, medical tape--cause big welts on her skin but luckily those and KT tape (which she uses frequently for her joints as well, another 5-10% I forgot!) don't. Dunno why!

Oh mah gosh, this is such an excellent idea!!! So sorry your daughter suffers! ((hugs to you and her)) Thank you so much for laying this idea out for me. Cuz it just might be the secret to my chronic pain issues!!!

Thank you! As we say in our family GENTLE hugs! I love her doctor and that paradigm of the 10%'s has helped her a lot.

Can anyone give me more information RE: this Opioid Malabsorption issue? I'd like as much facts as I can and be well informed.

Hi, I've been a pain management patient since 2002 when I became disabled. In my humble opinion, I feel you may need to change Pain Management Doctors. Some are just better than others, period. My doctor is wonderful and knows me very well. He knows that I will do ANYTHING to avoid overuse of any controlled drug because of the side effects.....as well as the fact that I don't want to kill myself. That said, I found that after I lost all the weight, I could actually cut back on the Norco I was taking. However, I am still on the Fentanyl patch and when I tried to cut back on the mgs I was on, I found my pain level increased to the point where my quality of life was suffering. Perhaps you should try the patch instead of pills if you're having a hard time with absorbing the medication. I wish you luck in finding a compassionate doctor that knows the difference between an abuser, and those that are in pain and trying to keep their quality of life at a level that makes it possible to stay as active as they can.

Edited August 14, 20178 yr by 1paulina
posted on wrong page

On 8/5/2017 at 7:48 PM, Akitamom01 said:

Hello. I have actulaay had the band first ( which I loved) but had an amergency removal due to injury. Then I had the sleevectomy but was not seeing results and had developed bile reflux due to my gallbladders inability to not over produce it. I was at the point where it was refluxing into my mouth and effecting my health. I now have the full Byepass which I like. I started my Journey at 4' 11" and 188 - 190 pounds and am now down to 124. I was at my goal of 115, before I got injured and lost my band. And I was as happy and healthy as I've been in my life. I gained a little back in between surgeries and was back up to 145. So I'm glad to be loosing again.

I however am a chronic pain sufferer due to many injuries, surgeries, and degenerative joint and disc issues, and that's just to name a few. I'm in pain management for my long term pain medication management, however I've noticed that after years on the same dose I suddenly developed issues with them not really working. I know far to well the new stigmatization put on people in my position. Coming from a large medical background I can understand the concerns of today and the trying to control the abuse of these medications. However what I can't get passed is the in ability for this country to not put people in a big box with a big label that says ADICT!!! It's just wrong. Nothing is black and white, there are many grey areas, especially in medicine. And these providers have forgotten that. There is a huge decline in the part of the job where you cared for the patient as an individual and not made them a file, paper, x-ray or number on a chart. And an even bigger neglect in the part where you MUST be Empathetic towards them. Now being on the patient side more often I not only see it but I experience it and feel ashamed of the way a job I once loved so much for its ability to help, has let even me down. Your guilty as soon as you mention the words or substances related to Opioids. Not all of us are abusing them. And many of us actually need them to have a quality of life.!!! I definitely didn't ask to get injured to this degree and loose my chance at the true medical career because of it, so needless to say I get very upset when I am treated this way. Ok enough of my rambling on.

My questions are regarding the malabsorption of these medications. I'm very big on reading about a medicine before I will take it and very passionate about the Barriatric process for good reason. However I'm still a bit confused re: this issue as I'm displaying the symptoms of someone who has this issue but not taken seriously. And my Pain Management Dr doesn't seam interested in what I feel either. Maybe because he/ she is jaded from the people who are abusers they can no longer or choose to no longer acknowledge me individually. There are issues with my GBP that prevent proper absorption of these meds, the studies say NOT to take long acting because of this as I have also tried and haven't worked. Yet they still insist I try yet another new one on the market. I don't want to be a guinny pig. Nor do I want to put myself through more physical and mental trauma when trying them goes south. I've tried to address the malabsorption issue and get told that I can take the new ER bye drinking the contents of the capsul??? Ok. But if I bond properly absorbe the ER, the pill form, then how do they think this will be any different. Honestly I'm at a loss and so tired of feeling like I have to defend my reasons for needing the meds. It's exhausting, embarrassing, and degrading. I also suffer from PTSD, compound trauma, ADHD, and have severe panic attacks. I however get looked at like an addict when the lac of treatment clearly aggravates the disorders. And the providers don't bother to consider my reaction for that, but instead I'm showing I stand addict behavior. Which BTW is extremely simmilar.

So how do I go about making my point and proving my legitimate issues properly? I know, at least from my research that I've done says STAY AWAY FROM LONG ACTING BECAUSE YOU WONT ABSORBE IT AND IT WONT WORK!! How do I make my point without looking like I'm attempting what that awful big labeled box for. I'm not here to blow smoke and make excuses. I'm legitimately concerned for the lac of treatment, and lac of care. But also the attac on my personal character. And that if others in my position.

Can anyone give me more information RE: this Opioid Malabsorption issue? I'd like as much facts as I can and be well informed.

Hi, I haven't seen your post and just found it. But...I also am on opiates for arthritis and Fibromyalgia I had my RNY July but I have been lucky because I use the Fentanyl Patches. I have been accused of being a drug seeking person. I was on Methadone for many years but it actually did severe mental Cognitive damage. I haven't had them for around 10 years. But my mind will never be as sharp again. When I was out of my head my hubby thought I hadn't taken my medication and I was in mega pain, he thought he was helping me but I eventually had too much. I was rushed to the ER, where a country hick DR said and wrote it on my papers that I was a drug abuser!! I literally hated that, I know I didn't abuse anything but it still feels like I did something wrong. Now I had to change Dr's and my new one has warned me that our STATE FDA is trying to stop us from getting the patches!! Every time I see her she does a UA and tells me that she doesn't know how much longer I will be able to use them. When I ask her what would I be own? She tells me that they don't work for my illness. I can tell her 100% that it does!! The difference in before and after is like DAY AND NIGHT!!! Maybe the patches would help you too. KUDOS and HUGS Hang in there.