A friend of mine is thinking about getting the Sleeve, but she has to take ibuprofen on a regular basis.

I know nsaids are a no no for us so was wondering if anyone else had this problem and how did you manage it?

Also are gastric bypass patients also not allowed nsaids?

She really wants to have the surgery but ibuprofen is the only thing that helps her pain and now she’s discouraged.

I haven’t had my surgery yet, today was pre op appointments, I have to go off my ibuprofen two weeks before surgery. Can start them back up at 2-3 months as long as I’m on a ppi. But he preferred you not to go back on them.

She should consult with a bariatric surgeon., they will likely be able to find something that can help. But definitely no ibuprofen before or after for a while. Having said that, after bruising my rib, my dr said Advil was okay for that as needed. I was a little over a week post-op.

Long term use of nsaids can cause stomach issues even for non surgical people.

I had no nsaids immediately after surgery when healing. My doctor recommended avoiding due to the potential to irritate the stomach. However I've use it off short term acute issues.

if she has a chronic condition the surgeon should be able to identify an alternative.

Bypass is strictly no nsaids. Sleeve is more flexible, but like someone said above, ok for acute issues, but for chronic ones, an alternative should be found.

Thanks everyone. She is still in the deciding stage and trying to find a surgeon for a consult.

She had asked me about it so I said I’d ask in some groups I’m in. Also told her to talk to her doctor and surgeon when she finds one. Just hate seeing her disappointed.

When I was discharged from the hospital, the doctor told me to alternate Tylenol and Ibuprofen to manage the pain but to get off the Ibuprofen as soon as I felt I didn't need it. I'm actually hoping to get off it today.

My doc said no NSAIDS for the rest of my life. I used to take ibuprofen as my primary painkiller. Now this is Tylenol. NSAIDS give some stomach erosion or even hernias, and after the WLS this is our "Achilles' heel"

16 minutes ago, temkins said:

NSAIDS give some stomach erosion or even hernias

Hernias? That's a new one on me. Did your surgeon explain that any more?

12 hours ago, Berry78 said:

Hernias? That's a new one on me. Did your surgeon explain that any more?

My bad, sorry about that. I meant ulcers, of course

Ahhh.. I see. Yes, ulcers makes sense.

Other than NSAIDS, we also have to be a bit careful about steroids (like prednisone). Anyone that needs it should have the discussion with their doc. It's possible some stomach protective meds could be added if/when steroids are needed.

My doctor said that I am allowed to take Ibuprofen in moderation. He told me to make sure I had a full stomach when I took it and I could take 200mg, 3 times a day for no more than 3 days. I'm having Gallbladder issues but I'm holding off my surgery for as long as possible for work related issues so when I get a bad flare up I do take it because Tylenol doesn't touch it.