what's the deal with ibuprofen?

I think I've read on here before that you can't take ibuprofen.  What's the deal with that. Are there other medications you can't take.

Well here's the deal with ibuprofen (and all NSAIDS for that matter). In the average stomach, the NSAIDS if taken on an empty stomach can eat away at the lining of the stomach. People can get ulcers from taking them often without coating the stomach. However stomach acids often times break them down hence reducing the risk a little of getting an ulcer. However with the lapband as you know the upper pouch is separated from the stomach acids so if you take an ibuprofen it may sit in the pouch for 20-30 minutes without anything to break it down giving a high opportunity to eat away the stomach lining. Its not something that happens from one use, but if habitually used it increases your risk for an ulcer.

Now I can tell you I kinda ignored the no ibuprphen rule my first year and a half. I really thought that since I was taking it on an empty stomach with milk it wouldn't sit in my pouch so I'd be ok. However I ended up with an ulcer right on my band line and I am certain it had to do with taking the ibuprofen. Luckily my ulcer healed in 2 months while unfilled so I learned my lesson.

NSAIDs include Aspirin, Anacin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Motrin and many other medications.  Aspirin is also known as Acetasylic Acid (spelling?)  sometimes abrieviated as ASA.

My doctor says very occasional use of Ibuprofen/Motrin/Aleve/etc. is ok, but I try very hard not to use Motrin or Aleve.

I recently had a muscle strain that time and reducing the amount of weight I lifted was not curing.. and I didn't want to stop lifting completely.  So my surgeon's NP said I could take small doses (200 mg) of Motrin, twice a day, one in the AM, one in the afternoon.. and ALSO to take a PPI (protein pump inhibitor) such as Prilosec or Prevacid at bedtime to help protect the stomach.

I was told I could do that for 2 weeks, then take 2 weeks off and then another 2 weeks IF the first two weeks didn't relieve the muscle inflamation.

I did a week on the motrin and a week off.  I want to do as little as possible.

I'm not aware of any other medication that we're to avoid.  Some people do crush their pills or open capsules.. I haven't needed to do that.  If opening capsules, best make sure that they're not time-released.. that could be a problem.

NSAIDS are a permanent 'no-no' for RNY patients --- because they can cause ulcers in the 'blind' stomach -- and the only way to diagnose them is an open surgery.

For us, they still can cause ulcers, but we can be scoped and diagnosed and treated much easier.

I weigh the benefits against the risk.
Most of the time, I can get the same pain relief from Tylenol --- so I use that.

Occasionally, when my tendonitis flares, I take Naproxen --- but we are talking about once or twice a month -- a single dose.

I did the Kid chewables ibuporfen when I was having some acute pain.  I washed it down with 16 ounces of water and then ate crackers.  Do you think that way is okay or should I not do it again?

 Soooo I just finished a dose of prendisone for bad tendonitits in my arm - is that a NO NO too???? How would I know if there was an ulcer????

My doc says that we are no more susceptible to ulcers with a band than we are without a band.

So, if you need NSAIDS for pain relief -- and your doc suggests them, I don't see anything wrong with them.

However, if your pain is alleviated without them, it is best (all around for everyone) to avoid them.

That being said, excessive use of Tylenol can cause kidney damage --- so, everything has its risks.

As far as developing ulcers, I believe that the symptoms are abdominal pain, vomitting, bloody vomit, etc.  You could google it for better info tha I can provide.

Good luck with the tendonitis.

Thank you for all of your responses!!!  I really appreciate it! 

I'm late to the party but I take a single dose of Aleve for headaches maybe three times a month at the absolute most. I take them with food and drink at least 12 oz of water (yeah I know, no drinking after eating but I don't really struggle with satiety any more). I would take Tylenol if it helped but it never has.