Hello! Before my gastric bypass I used to take diclofenac, an NSAID, for arthritis pain in my knees. As we know, NSAIDs are a no-no forever post bypass. I have severe arthritis and disk disease in my neck, and tylenol doesn't help. Is anyone aware of safe yet effective pain relief for bypass patients?

Thanks, and hope you're all doing well!

Briswife, Thanks for asking this question as I am right there with you, and hope someone has answers for us! My gastric bypass is scheduled for March 11th. I, too, am 5’4” and depend on diclofenac 75mg daily for knee pain arthritis. I know I have to give it up—but nothing, and I do mean nothing comes close to helping like it does.

Congrats on your near 70 lb weight loss! Have you noticed reduced knee pain since the weight loss? I’m hoping for that, too. Continued good health to you!

Hi,@Lily66. I need to update my stats on the computer because I can't do it on the phone app! It's like 85 pounds since surgery, and 102 since my highest weight!!
Yes. My knee pain is 90 percent better with the weight loss. Now my issue is my neck!!

Briswife, You Go Girl!!! Sooo proud of you with our “relatively diminutive height”? and knee pain challenges for you to have lost 102 lbs in less than 12 months is Amazing to me!! Fantastic that your knee pain is 90% better-gives me Hope! I pray you can get relief for your neck..hopefully someone here will have answers. I’m also currently taking Cymbalta (duloxetine) for nerve pain and I fear at pre-op he’ll tell me no more of that, either.
Along with diclofenac substitution, does anyone here have experience with Duloxetine/Cymbalta after Gastric Bypass?

Thanks and keep up the Great Work, Briswife!

I'm not a medic, but talk to your doctor about options. More than likely your pain will go away with decreasing weight. Also make sure that you get a profalytic to take with your pain killers to avoid ulcers. Loads of medication can cause ulcers even though NSAIDs. Got this from my surgeon just 2 days ago.

Thanks,@MsMocie. I do take Pantoprazole for my stomach. But that said, I still can't take NSAIDS. My orthopedic surgeon is not up on what pain meds a bariatric patient can take, which is why I'm asking here. There might be something that folks here have found to be helpful. I am at a healthy weight now, and don't think more weight loss will help my neck!!

3 hours ago, Briswife15 said:

Hello! Before my gastric bypass I used to take diclofenac, an NSAID, for arthritis pain in my knees. As we know, NSAIDs are a no-no forever post bypass. I have severe arthritis and disk disease in my neck, and tylenol doesn't help. Is anyone aware of safe yet effective pain relief for bypass patients?

Thanks, and hope you're all doing well!

I too have horrible arthritis in my knees. The only think that can be used is a topical ointment. I have to think on the name.

i think it is called voltaren. Do yourself a favor and try some turmeric! It must contain at least 10 mg of bioperine and 95% curcuminoids. You will be amazed at how well a simple spice works for inflammation. I literally went from not being able to walk without severe pain to no pain at all. My sister had surgery for torn miniscus and it works well for her too.

Edited February 5, 20206 yr by Losingit2018

Thanks Losingit2018! Another 5’4” Successful Gastric Bypass lady!? I have taken Turmeric off and on but not lately, nor consistently. Will give it a committed try. Will try to post a photo of the bottle I have...Thanks for sharing your experience!

I too have horrible arthritis in my knees. The only think that can be used is a topical ointment. I have to think on the name.
i think it is called voltaren. Do yourself a favor and try some turmeric! It must contain at least 10 mg of bioperine and 95% curcuminoids. You will be amazed at how well a simple spice works for inflammation. I literally went from not being able to walk without severe pain to no pain at all. My sister had surgery for torn miniscus and it works well for her too.

Thanks for the Tumeric suggestion! I tend to shy away from large capsules as they get stuck in my pouch opening and cause pain. Do you have any trouble with the capsules?