I was banded on 8/8/08 and have lost 25+ lbs since. I've also taken my one Celebrex every day since. If I don't I can actually hear my knee click when I walk -- it is bone on bone. On another list I read that Celebrex was a no-no. How do you folks feel about it?

Judiostudio:embaressed_smile:

I feel you should ask your doctor. He may have special guidelines for you to follow so you can take it safely.

I am hoping to be able to take voltaren after surgery. If I can't, I won't be able to walk. My arthritis is so bad that I have considered canceling the surgery just because of the pain from stopping my medication. I am afraid to ask, because if I find out I can't take it, I may have to cancel my lapband surgery. Anyone know about arthritis medicines after surgery?

I am hoping to be able to take voltaren after surgery. If I can't, I won't be able to walk. My arthritis is so bad that I have considered canceling the surgery just because of the pain from stopping my medication. I am afraid to ask, because if I find out I can't take it, I may have to cancel my lapband surgery. Anyone know about arthritis medicines after surgery?:thumbup:

Ask your surgeon. If you truly can't, it will be for a valid, good reason, ie erosion of your stomach. In that case, you'll be informed and can choose. It's possible that losing weight will help immensely with your arthritis and you'll only need tylenol later. But DO talk to your surgeon. He needs all the information about your health and what drugs you're taking. To intentionally lie or omit that info (assuming he's asked you what meds you are taking, and he should. They ask me EVERY time I go) is unfair to him and to you. Give him a chance to work something out with you!

I can't speak for your doctor, but I sent home from the hospital with a prescription for Celebrex. My doctor said it would help with the inflammation. I took it and didn't have any problems.

My surgeon is aware that I take Voltaren, and I have discontinued it for three weeks prior to surgery. But, he is not aware of the pain I am in without it. I plan to call him today and ask about taking it after surgery. Maybe he has something else I can use. In any case, I am waiting faithfully for the 21st for my surgery. But it is with a very, very painful body. Glad to hear you were sent home on Celebrex....that gives me hope!:thumbup:

My program says absolutely no NSAIDS after surgery-forever. No Aspirin, Ibuprofen or anything like that. I would check with your surgeon just to make sure it's okay that you take it.

Thanks for all the info. Actually, I got up the nerve and contacted my surgeon. They caution against it but understand that some patients need it and those patients use it. I am hoping that as the weight comes off, some of the arthritis pain will go away. But for now, I am so relieved to know that I can take it if I absolutely need it. And, I also asked about my pain medication before surgery and was told I can take it now. This will make things so much better for me! All is well.

I was told by my counselor that there might be a topical patch, like the nicotine patch,only for pain. anyone hear of this?

There are pain patches. I haven't worked in a pharmacy for awhile because of health issues but I do know there's the Lidocaine patch which is nonnarcotic and the Duragesic (Fentanyl) patch which is narcotic. If there are more now I'm not really sure but those two got a lot of use at my pharmacy.

There is the new flector patch for inflammation which is supposed to work better than Ibuprofen or celebrex. I have it, but unfortunately Ibuprofen works best for me. I am allowed to take it, but only do when I feel I must. My knees also have severe arthritis and I was in severe pain with lots of swelling also. The swelling is all gone and I only occasionally have pain in them now. I need spinal surgery and still have considerable back pain and cannot be on my feet for long periods, but I have improved greatly from a year ago when I never wanted to even get out of bed because of the pain!!

Anyway, people needing something for inflammation might want to check out the Flector patch . Ask your Dr!