Hi All,

I know oral NSAIDS are not permitted. Does anyone know about Topical NSAID? I injured my back yesterday and the Urgent Care doc prescribed one and I can't find a clear answer online. I'll check with my surgeons office tomorrow but would like to use it today.

thanks for sharing!
Lori

Yes, I'm 19 years post op. RNY. I use Diclofenac gel a lot!

My doctor told me I can keep using diclofenac gel too. You can buy it over the counter now. It's great for arthritis joint pain.

I think this varies depending on what your Surgon says.
I have had one Surgon tell me that NSAIDS are fine to take via IV & another say to avoid them all together no matter what the form (this includes topical).

I think topicals are okay because they don't go through your stomach.

It’s as @GradyCat said: as long as the NSAID isn’t going through your digestive system you’re fine. The issue with NSAIDS post weight loss surgery is the irritation they cause to your tummy & potential for reflux, GERD, bleeding, ulcers etc. Remember you have a much smaller tummy so the effects of the NSAIDS are concentrated. Topical & intravenous NSAIDS are not absorbed in the digestive system.

But check with your surgeon if your concerned.

Thanks all! I used the topical NSAID for a week and it greatly helped with my back pain. I am slowly nursing my back back to health. First week I walked (first couple days I couldn't even go 1/2 a mile, but eventually got back up to my regular 2). This week, I have been swimming and also using the stair machine/treadmill on an incline (training for Kilimanjaro). Next week I'm going to attempt some yoga again and hope by end of week 3 I'll be back to full strength and can add some weights back in.

It's odd for me to say, but 2+ years out from surgery, I am itching to get back to working out. Pre-surgery the back injury would be an excuse to stop working out and just eat too much. Still not perfect, but its amazing to come so far in both physical and mental ways.

If NSAIDs don't go through your digestive tract they're absolutely fine. Surgeons who say otherwise are incorrect.