Ibufropen

My husband is 6 years out from WLS.  He has a toothache and wants to know if it's OK to take Advil?

I say yes, but want to check.

Not safe to take Advil.

Thanks for your reply.  Really not even 6 years after WLS?

No NSAIDS forever!! It is an nsaid.  We can't take them.   Stick to Tylenol for pain.

Unfortunately all NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc) have the potential to cause ulcers and there is a serious risk for gastrointestinal bleeding... In normal people. The risk is higher for those who have had WLS. The U.S. FDA has a black box warning on all NSAIDS about these risks... Which means it's serious and can even cause death. There are no warning signs before the bleed occurs.

unfortunately, Tylenol usually doesn't do much for a toothache. I haven't been able to take NSAIDs due to another condition I have. The dentist prescribes some pain reliever with codeine or another narcotic.

I was told that for RNY patients they can NEVER take Ibuprofen again. VSG patients usually can at some point. Just telling you what I was told but it is always safest to check with his doctor prior to taking anything.

If he had the RNY (aka gastric bypass), NO...never not even topical.

However, thos of us with sleeves and the DS can AFTER we are healed, with food, and never EVER exceed the OTC daily dose.

For ME, it's risk vs reward ...

If I were in pain and wanted to take something prior to the dentist appt (which is the first thing we should do if we have toothache) then *I* would take a couple of Ibuprofen.   However, I have never had ANY GI problems, no gerd, no ulcers etc.

NOONE should be taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen on a regular basis, unless their pain is worth the risk of permanent GI or liver damage - weightloss surgery or not!  Just because they are OTC doesn't mean they are not dangerous to everyone if they are used on a daily basis

This.

I have used both for short term relief from pain in different situations.  

Here's what everyone needs to understand about NSAIDs: They pose SOME risk for anyone who takes them. For MOSt humans, that risk is far outweighed by the benefits. If you are a WLS patient, your risks are increased to some degree.

If you have a Band, a Sleeve, or a DS, your risks are only increased very, very slightly. However, if you have an RNY, your anatomy is VERY different than it was pre-op, and your risks have been greatly multiplied. This is because of the blind, remnant stomach and the -always-open stoma.

BUT---you are an adult, and it's always YOUR decision whether the benefits of NSAIDs outweigh the potential complications. Some RNYers can take NSAIDs regularly without problems. Other RNYers can take ONE DOSE and wind up with bleeding ulcers.