Hi, I have a question. Do you all think its safe to take NSAIDS after Lap Band surgery. I've been on one for the past 10 years because of back problems. My doc's nurse says its ok after lap band surgery. But, I've read , in the info from the company Inamed, that makes the band, that you should not take them because it can cause erosion in the stomach. The nurse said that gastric bypass people can't take them because they only have a small stomach and they can cause ulsers.

What do you all think. I'm a self pay person for my surgery and trying to follow everything to the letter.

Thanks in advance

Abby

I think no one wants to touch my question. Guess it really should be directed to my doctor.

Thanks anyway,

Abby

There seems to be a lot of dissagreement about NSAIDs . My Dr said no but when I tried to pin him down for a good reason why not, he got wishy washy about it. Actually, I'll try to find his answer on his board and post it for you.

Here is his answer. In a former post he had said something about the danger of systemic effects. That's why I asked about that.

Subject by: munch2much

Posted on: 4/10/2008 10:53:51 AM Would you please exp;ain just what e "systemic effects" are from NSAIDs? There seems to be a lot of disagreement between Dr.s about taking them with a band. I was under the impression that they would sit in the band and cause tissue damage but I see you said that wasn't the case in a former post. My quality of life is much better when I can take them. It's very hard to exercise when in pain and hard to sleep the night after. If they don't damage the pouch I would like to take them again. Not on a reg basis but prn.

RepliesReply by: DrGarren_Moderator

Posted on: 4/10/2008 8:09:38 PM

NSAIDs can diminish the normal protective lining of the stomach. If the question is, "Will I have trouble if I take ibuprofen for the occasional headache?" The answer is PROBABLY not. Taking the NSAIDS on a regular basis, in my opinion, puts one at risk of ulcer and complications therein

Thanks so much, would appreciate any info about this that I can get..

Doesn't seem like this would be that difficult. Either they can harm the tum or not. Right?!

I see what you mean about the doc's take on this question. May call and talk to someone at Inamed (people who make my band) tomorrow. What kind of band do you have? Just wondering. In the US I think there are only two kinda available. Something called Realize and the one I have.

I'm embarassed to admit that I don't know what kind of band I have. All I know is that it's 10mm long and holds 4cc.

I have taken NCAIDS for about 15 years efore the banding. Although the surgeon hopes that the pain will subside as I lose weight, I am not hopeful. The week I spent without the meds pre-op was one of the worst in my life, to the point that my surgeon told me to start taking them again.

I was banded in February 08 and have been taking the NSAIDS daily with NO problems. Of course I was warned to notify the Doc and stop taking the meds if I had any stomach pain.

I ALWAYS take the meds with food and have been free of stomach problems for years and remain so past the banding.

Thanks Mommy2 for that information. I also have severe arthritis and am not looking forward to pre-surgery time off Celebrex. I've had to do that before and it was terrible. I am hopeful getting weight off will help, but I know it won't make it all go away... I am hoping to be banded in June or July and hope I'll be able to take Celebrex after the surgery. I have never had a stomach issue with it in about 12 years.

Joann

I think Celebrex, as a Cox-2 inhibitor, is different from the NSAIDs. It was not, for instance, on the list of those NSAIDs to quit taking before surgery. And my doctor allowed me to resume it right after surgery - they even gave me one in the hospital the evening of surgery. But that is Celebrex - I would not take ibupropen, aspirin, Aleve or any of the others.

So what NSAID are you on? Can your physician prescribe Celebrex if you are not on it? I know I would be miserable without it (I've tried).