Ask The Expert: With Dr. Roc Bauman
June 10, 2013Bariatric surgeon Dr. Roc Bauman answers the questions that are important to you. Do you have a question you would like to ask of a plastic surgeon, bariatric surgeon, fitness expert, dietician, psychologist, or other bariatric professional? Send your questions to [email protected].
Ron T.: What kind of pain relievers can you have after weight loss surgery?
Dr. Bauman: The type of pain reliever a patient can take depends to a certain extent upon which procedure they have undergone. In general, patients who have undergone the sleeve gastrectomy are free to take many different kinds of pain relievers without concerns for developing ulcers provided the dosages are reasonable and not beyond the recommended amount. This also assumes that it is beyond the critical period of tissue healing. It's important to ask your surgeon what their recommendations are.
For patients who have undergone a gastric bypass the avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID) is recommended and the avoidance of steroids in high dose is also recommended. NSAIDs include medications like ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, diclofenac, Naprosyn to name a few. Aspirin or Goody’s powders should be avoided. Generally narcotics slow the bowel function but usually do not contribute to ulcers.
Adjustable gastric band patients are at no greater risk for any pain reliever.
QueenofKing: If the pre-op liquid diet depletes your liver of glycogen so that it shrinks the liver to get it out of the way of your stomach so the doctor can operate, then why not just put the patient on a low/no carb, lean protein diet which is what we're going to be eating after surgery anyway?
Dr. Bauman: Surgeons differ in their preoperative approach to weight loss surgery. We have found that many patients’ tastes change dramatically and their tolerance of protein shakes diminishes rapidly post-op when they have consumed many protein drinks preoperatively. Because postoperative nutrition is so crucial in the first two weeks we want to ensure their ability to take in the necessary protein and to not have "burnt out" on these drinks. We are hopeful that patients are adopting new lifestyles preoperatively including exercise and eliminating unhealthy choices and that these changes will manifest themselves in a few pounds of weight loss. It has proven to be a reliable indicator of the patient's understanding of the long-term picture.
Roc Bauman, MD, FACS, FASMBS is a bariatric surgeon with the Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery program Carolinas Healthcare System. Take the first step to a healthier lifestyle by attending a free informational seminar on weight loss surgery. Our bariatric surgeons will walk you through the process and determine which option is best for you. Call 1-800-358-1895 or visit www.carolinashealthcare.org/bariatric
Do you have a question to Ask The Expert? Email us at [email protected]!