Post op questions

[LuellaJean 25]

Hi all, I'm currently in my pre-op phase. Not sure if I will be having sleeve or bypass, depends on my EGD results on the 22nd. I'm hoping for sleeve. Anyway, some questions for those of you who are post-op and have reached their new "normal":

1. Can you take pills? My gallbladder was removed in 2004 and I've been on PPI's ever since so not sure if I will still be able to?

2. Does anyone still need to take PPI's now that I'm thinking about it? I suppose it's possible that surgery will eliminate the need for them!

3. Carbonated beverages? My surgeon hasn't said much about them.

4. Alcohol? I'm not an alcoholic or anything but I do enjoy a margarita or martini for my birthday!

I'm sure I'll have more questions, these are just what's on my mind lately. Thank you for your honest responses!

Luella

[Creekimp13 5,841]

1. Yes. Omeprazole was actually prescribed to me for 4 months after surgery to help protect my new sleeve. At first you just open the capsules and swallow the contents....later you can swallow the whole capsule.

2. Sleeve is associated with higher instances of GERD.

3. Carbonated beverages are generally frowned upon for life.

4. Alcohol is discouraged before 6 months post op and is generally cautioned against.....because it has empty calories, because it is metabolized differently after surgery, and because there is a risk of cross over addiction with WLS.

[kakatlady612 1,053]

I know you can and will take PPIs, in the long run the are gastroprotective
Most surgeons surgeons discourage carbonated beverages. A they encourage weight,gain, many of us got fat from overindulgence in Coke, Pepsi and their evil soda cousins.
B. Do you enjoy pain? That stuff will bloat up your sore little stomach. If it doesn't cause you to vomit you'll have to belch or blow it out the other end.
Alcohol doubtful you'll be allowed to indulge very soon. I've heard 6 months, a year down the road. You have been a workaholic , you do not want to exchange one addiction for another. You'll become drunk on less. And a final note, although I am pre surgery I have gastritis, booze hurts and burns the lining in your stomach and it hurts like the walls of Hades.

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[kakatlady612 1,053]

I meant foodaholic although in some cases workaholic might also be true.

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[LuellaJean 25]

Thank you ladies!!! I'm just curious about being able to swallow antibiotics when I'm sick or ibuprofen since everything has to be chewed to an applesauce consistency I was wondering if I'll have to have liquid meds for life or what?

Luella

[kakatlady612 1,053]

Well you may still be able to take pills in applesauce or pudding, some you can crush or open up capsules, your doctor will be your best advisor for your individual case. Ibuprofen, well I hate to be the bearer of bad news, honey, but that's an NSAID,take your little hand and wave bye bye because it's not going to be in your life. NSAIDS are rough on sore tummies, shoot they are rough on any stomach lining. Yours truly has gastritis and an iddy biddy ulcer. I used to take a lot of Mr Advil, not no more. You will have Tylenol, which does come in a liquid form. Many meds do come in a liquid, unfortunately not all of them. I'm giving you This advice as a long lived human not medical centred personnel. Your own doctor will,be your best advisor and a bariatric surgeon- especiall good. In terms you and I can understand: this is their bang-zone, hope this helps a little.

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[Diana_in_Philly 1,426]

I was taking pills the day after surgery - small ones, but still - taking my regular medications for my asthma. I take a PPI every day. I drink soda every once and a while, but I'm 18 months out. I also have a drink occasionally.Again, I'm 18 months out.