Anti-inflammatories After WLS

I'm curious what RNYers take for inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. NSAIDs are out, even as topical creams, because of the  blind pouch and the way NSAIDs affect the body chemically. (This is one of the many reasons I chose the DS instead---I take NSAIDs every day.)

Surely there IS some safe, non-NSAID anti-inflammatory out there you guys take?

Pre-ops visiting this board---this is something to really think about.

I have a VSG.  I have osteoarthris, am taking a great med called Limbrel.  It is working really well for me.  My Surgeon wants NSAIDS as a last resort, and really doesn't want me taking them.  It is some kind of Biologic., no stomach issues.   I don't think this med works for RA.  I am having trouble getting my insurance to pay, my pain is greatly reduced.   I love the stuff and am willing to pay for it even if my insurance will not cover.  I plan on fighting with my insurer over it.

With the VSG, you've got a fully-functional stomach, just smaller. And no blind pouch to worry about, either. With my DS, I have the same stomach as your VSG.

NSAIDs cause the mucosal lining of the stomach to thin, which can lead to ulcers. Some people tolerate them better than others, and I've practically lived on them since I was 20. (I'm 51.)

Well, as far as I know, there isn't a good option for RNY'ers.  I myself have osteoarthritis and was on NSAIDs for years.  But I weaned myself off over the year before I had RNY surgery (June 25, 2009).  I wanted to see if I could survive without them before I committed to the surgery.  I really didn't think I could because I am 50 years old and had been on them for 20 years.  And indeed, my surgeon tried to get the VSG for me, but my insurance company called it an investigational procedure and would not allow it. 

Surprisingly, I did almost as well without NSAIDs (before surgery) as I had while taking them.  And an added plus, was the swelling that went away after about a month without them.  I was so overweight I didn't realize I had so much swelling until it was gone!  And my blood pressure came down a notch too. 

Now, 3 months post-op, I use tylenol occassionally for debilitating pain.  The main problem this has posed for me has been that it keeps me from walking for exercise like I would really like to be able to do.  Now, I can walk 25-30 minutes most days.  But for the first month or so, I was lucky to get 10 minutes in a day.  I do typically pay for it in my right knee for the rest of the day after I walk, and there are days that I simply cannot do it.  My hope is, that as my weight comes down, it will get easier and easier to walk with less discomfort following. 

Anyway, that's my story!  Good luck with yours!!  connie

I have RA and Fibro and I checked with my WLS doc and he approved of my Rheumie prescribing me celebrex 200 mg twice a day.  I also take MTX and 5 mg prednisone and folic acid daily. 

I had RNY and need surgery on my big toe due to osteoarthritis.  My foot doc asked me if I could take Celebrex...  so is that considered okay with RNY?

Thanks!

I checked with my RNY doc and he approved my taking the celebrex even though it is an NSAID--said that it is ok for me to take...  It could be because of the dosage that I take.  I guess it varies from doc to doc.  As always check with your doc.

You are right... I will give them a call!  Thanks for your response!!!