I have had back pain for quite some time. for about 7 or 8 months. my Doc put me on an assortment of pain pills that I take at night. (one pill nightly) and a pill during the day if I really feel I need it. I mostly just bite the bullet and suffer. anyway my question is "are the pain pills bad for the band?

Hi Francesca,

pills won't hurt your band, but the wrong kind of pills won't be good for your stomach. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) and some other things can depress the production of protective enzymes, or something like that, leaving you more vulnerable to ulcers. It's more than just a matter of a medication "upsetting" your stomach.

Talk to your doctor about what you're taking and whether he can change your prescription to something less likely to increase your chances of ulcers. Good luck!!

Francesca, I have to use celebrex (a powerful NSAID) for arthritis. My surgeon instructed me to drink a glass of water and take a Prevacid first, then drink more water after taking the Celebrex to wash it through. There are times that we have to use these meds. for various serious problems. But please check w/your dr. and follow his/her advice.