Question:
has anyone taken Voltaren after surgery.......i had open rny and my otho has prescrib

   — karen O. (posted on May 2, 2004)

May 2, 2004
Voltaren if I am not mistaking is an anti-inflammatory and a darn strong one at that. It is part of the drug Arthrotec which has stuff for the stomach in it too. I would not take Voltaren alone as it is likely to cause you problems. There are many other anti-inflammatories that have less of a chance of causing serious problems. I know that the ideal is no anti-inflammatories after WLS but my surgeon is realistic that for some that is just not possible. I no longer need to take them on a daily basis but I do occassionally need to take them for a week or two to settle things down. Then I will be better for a while. I have major knee problems that have actually gotten worse after losing 250 lbs. The damage was already done and my much more active lifestyle has irritated them. They are seriously talking knee replacements if nothing else works. I am only 43, which is not a good age to get replacements. I also have pretty significant Fibromyalgia and some days I just need some help to move. <p>Please try one of the drugs that are the least abusive to the stomach if you must take anti-inflammatories.
   — zoedogcbr

May 2, 2004
I am four years post-op RNY. I was taking Arthrotec, which is a combination of Voltaren and Cytotec (a drug that protects the stomach lining), twice a day for several years before the RNY for fibromyalgia and multiple joint problems. It is a very strong anti-inflammatory and should never be taken by WLS patients unless properly monitored by a physician. However, as the previous writer stated, there are instances when weight loss alone does not alleviate all of the pre-existing problems and an anti-inflammatory is indeed indicated. My joint problems were the result of decades of morbid obesity. Since the RNY, I have had to have multiple surgeries (shoulder, total knee replacement, spinal fusions) to repair the damage. The WLS relieved much of the pain and stress on the joints but it did not "cure" the existing damage. Since my orthopedic surgeries, I can genuinely say that I feel like a "new woman", but I continue to take Arthrotec on a daily basis under close medical supervision. My surgeon actually added a daily dose of Prilosec for the first six months post-RNY just to increase the protection of the new pouch and suture line. Please discuss all these issues with your surgeon as well as your PCP. It is possible that the WLS will make such an improvement in your health and your life that anti-inflammatories will become a thing of your past...but until then, let your phypsicians be your guide.
   — Diana T.