A Post-Op question re: Medication

Hi everyone, I was visiting my mother-in-law today and she has a bad sinus infection. I was thinking about how uncomfortable that is and how much better she will feel when she gets some antibiotics. Of course, that led me to thinking about taking meds post op and if it is any different. Can you still take antibiotics in pill form? Is there a special way you have to take them so that your body absorbs them? I know they make liquid form for kids, but it is very sweet, probably made with sugar. I wonder too, can you still get a stomach virus since your stomach is built differently? What about pain medication? I seem to remember from one of the meetings that ibuprophen is a no-no post op. I also take allergy pills regularly. I hope these don't sound like silly questions, I just wonder since we have to chew vitamins and dissolve b12 under our tongues, what about other meds? Thanks from the worry-wart, Terri

Hi Terri, I have list that I got from Julie S who have same doctor we go: Safe for our pouch: benedryl Tylenol Dimetap Robitussin safetussin sudafed triaminics(ALL) Tylenol(cold products) Ex-strength tylenol Gas-X phazyme Imodium AD Colace Dulcolax-Suppositories Milk of Magnesiaperi Colace For Antibiotics, The PCP or doctor can give us liquid of this medicine or we will smashed it and put it into sugarfree applesauce or sugar free pudding to swallow. Hope this helps you! Kathy K PS Hope we will be able to support each other when we are at hospital!!

Thanks for the list Kathy. It was very helpful. Hey maybe we will be roomies in the hospital! Terri

Terri, Please check with your doctor on this question. They all have different thoughts on things like this but it seems to me that once our pouches have healed we can take pretty much anything. I take regular pills and have been since about 2 months out. I have stayed away from any ibuprofen products but I do take gloucophage, Move Free (glucosimum), Women's One A Day Vitamins etc. I haven't needed any antibiotics but I do know that it would be okay to take them. I have also taken some allergy meds this summer (never had to before) and had no problems. Again check with your doctor but don't worry the chewable stuff only lasts for a couple of months if that. Linda

Can I butt in here and ask why no ibuprofen? I have heard this on this website that ibuprofen is a no-no, but I don't know why. My surgeon said ok, but everyone here says no. Just wondering...thanks, Anne

Ibuprofen, Aspirin and all other meds in the NSAIDS (non steriodal, anti-inflammatory drug family) can be very irritating to the stomach lining. I have heard that some doctors say that you can take an occasional Ibuprofen. My surgeon says "no" to these drugs. He doesn't want me to risk my little pouch for this when there are alternatives to these medications. Drugs you can take include Celebrex and Vioxx and of course, Tylenol....which doesn't really help with inflamation. I have taken regular sized pills since three weeks out from my surgery-I couldn't take that liquid Vit B12 any more-UGH!

You know, I'm not sure there's a ton of science on this. I think each surgeon has their own opinion on the effectiveness of pills as a post-op RNY patient. I think it's best to be safe and discuss it thoroughly with your Dr. I know time released medicines are a no-no across the board, since they don't sit in the stomach like a 'normal' person. I have always (since surgery) had issues with fully absorbing medications that I take orally (except liquids or chewables) That hasn't changed at 20 months post op. I think some people may have more issues with this than others. It's been a wild ride with all the fertility drugs I've been taking. Let's just say- they don't come in liquids...so they have to be 'taken' someplace else. If you know what I mean.... But, that's the only way to be sure that the apropriate dose of medication is being absorbed. So, please be sure to always discuss with anyone who is prescribing you something the issue of mal-absorption...and what will happen if you take this medication and mal absorb some of it? Dr's don't always take this into consideration and I find myself constantly having to remind mine. Take care, Lisa C

Thanks everyone for all the input on my meds question. I am trying to think of adjustments that I normally take for granted as pre-op, but knowing that there are easy alternatives, makes me feel a lot better. Lisa..... ouch! on the way you have to get fertility treatments. My sister underwent treatments too. It was a huge committment and sometimes very uncomfortable and painful, but Chloe, her beautiful & sweet curly haired 3 yr old daughter, was so worth every shot. Hang in there! Terri