Question:
CAN ANY OF YOU POSTOPS TELL ME HOW SURGERY HAS EFFECTED YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS

I AM SCHEDULED FOR LAP RNY ON 10-3 AND I STILL DONT UNDERSTAND ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TAKING MEDICINES POSTOP. I DO KNOW ALL ABOUT MY VITAMINS AND PROTEINS AND SUCH BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE SICK HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN TAKE OTC MEDICINES AND WHAT ABOUT RX MEDS??    — loisph (posted on September 24, 2003)

September 24, 2003
I am almost 3 months out and am off two (2) of my 10 medications already. My cardiologist assures me when I'm below 200 (36 more pounds), he will take me off six (6) more. That just leaves my last diabetic med and my antidepressant. Those will both be gone,too...I'm sure of that.
   — Gail G.

September 24, 2003
I am 7 weeks post-op, and before surgery I was on 8 medications plus I am diabetic, and took two shots of insulin daily. When I came home from surgery I was on two medications and no insulin since the first day home from the hospital, it has been so wonderful not having to take insulin shots. The weight loss is great 51 lbs and 32 inches in 6 weeks, but not having to take my insulin and only having two medications is a miracle.
   — cindy

September 24, 2003
Hi Lois I am now 8 mths post op from lap rny and I was on afew diff. medications before surgery and now I hardly don't take any of them now. So it should get better for ya afterwards. and, congrats on your upcoming surgery hope everything goes well for ya! I am now down 116# only another 65 to go!
   — Melodee S.

September 24, 2003
I had something that I think the Vitalady sent me about what over-the-counter meds are okay. I don't have it with me but I do remember that postops should take Tylenol, not Advil or ibuprofen. I suggest that you check out the library regarding over the counter meds. With regards to prescriptions, I no longer take diabetes medication and haven't had any prescription medication since my surgery 8 months ago. I would make sure that your doctor is aware of the fact that you've had gastric bypass surgery whenever you need prescription medication and maybe even follow-up with your surgeon on whether it is allowable or not.
   — Judy R.

September 24, 2003
Do NOT take anything without your surgeon approving it first. For example, I used to take Anaprox 550 before surgery and now my doctor says NO to that med... he prescribed something else for me instead.
   — Lynette H.

September 24, 2003
I am 10 weeks post op and was immediately taken off my blood pressure medicine. I am also off my asthma meds. As for OTC drugs, think about what they do and if you really need them. Anything that can cause stomache upset / bleeding should be run past your doctor before you take it, as the pouch is very sensitive and you become at an increase risk of an ulcer. This includes any anti-inflamatory medication such as Ibprophen. Take Tylenol instead.
   — Denise G.

September 24, 2003
This website: http://www.kcwlsfriends.homestead.com/medstoavoid.html has a list of meds to avoid post-op. But, I would head everyone else's advice and ask your surgeon before taking anything.
   — Kristen S.

September 24, 2003
My surgeon must be totally different than most. He does allow me to take ibuprofen and Vioxx on occasion, as needed. Since he is the head of the department of laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery at a major teaching hospital, I figure he knows what he's talking about. I still take 2 prescription medications and there is no problem with either one (one is a low dose diuretic/ACE inhibitor and the other is for lowering cholesterol.) I haven't been sick since I had surgery last October, so I can't say what over the counter stuff I might take for colds and so forth. I might as well throw my money in the street as to buy Tylenol - no effect whatsoever for me. Trust YOUR surgeon to tell you what YOU can and cannot take - not a list some one else has, or what someone on web site says. Write this question down and ask your surgeon next time you have the opportunity.
   — koogy