Question:
Medication complications with Gastric Bypass Prednisone?

I was told by a surgeon I would be a high risk since I take Prednisone a few times a year for sinus infections and to keep Ashtma under control. Do all gastric bypass surgeons feel this way too and why?    — adoptmom40 (posted on January 9, 2009)

January 9, 2009
I have steroid dependent asthma and had my RNY on 6/4/08 and have lost 115lbs so far. My Dr stated that it is a risk but he did it and has been really pleased with my loss and how I am doing. I am still on the steroid but am doing ok. Jacque from IN
   — letsonj

January 9, 2009
I thought that was odd personally. Asthma usually gets better with weight loss and you can stop the prednisone in plenty of time right?
   — nofrogs29

January 9, 2009
Fat heals poorly because it has less vascularization and steroids make for poor wound healing. I had problems with would healing after by bypass and had an open area that oozed necrotic fat from june to sept. My doctor wanted to know if i had taken steroids, like you i would take a dose pack for sinus infections occasionally. He thought that contributed to the slow healing.
   — Wakeup&fly

January 9, 2009
Steroid use raises the risk of infection after surgery. It affects the immune system in a negative way, and SOME surgeons prefer to avoid surgery on steroid dependent patients, but not ALL surgeons. The surgery is LIKELY to make the situation BETTER for your asthma, so you are likely to not NEED the steroids after the weight loss, so it is a TOSS-UP as to whether or not the surgery would be a risk or not. This surgeon seems to think that the steroids are a risk. Another may not. Even WITH steroid use, there are antibiotics that can MITIGATE the risk, if used properly. You just have to be CERTAIN to follow the physician's instructions and take the medications until they are GONE and NOT until you, "Feel better." This is too often the case with many people. This is USUALLY what causes drug resistant strains of certain bacteria. People do NOT take the FULL COURSE of the medication that has been prescribed, and the bacteria that survives becomes RESISTANT, and thrives. Someone who's immune system is compromised by something like steroids is extremely susceptible to this kind of thing. Their own body cannot fight the bug, and their own body becomes a BREEDING GROUND for these SUPERBUGS. I hope this helps. Hugh
   — hubarlow

January 9, 2009
I don't know anything about ashtma or prednisone...but sinus infections I do have an all natural amazing and wonderful but weird remedy....The Neti Pot! It's an ancient method of keeping your sinuses clean and healthy and drained! It cuts nasal cold symptoms in half...heals nasal infections...helps you breathe better...cuts allergy symptoms...and keeps your sinuses clean of irritants and dust that can infect...My son has chronic allergies and sinus infections...He cannot stand taking allergy pills...and the antibiotics are almost useless to him now....The Neti Pot has totally changed his life and mine. They have squeeze bottles too that work just as well...I use both...depending on my mood....Here's a video of how to use it! LOL It's odd, I admit...but this is the exact one I use and LOVE!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8sDIbRAXlg Do a search for Neti Pot or Nasal Irrigation...That takes care of the sinuses...but I have no clue about the other! Just an idea...
   — .Anita R.

January 9, 2009
Not all doctors feel the same and as for asthma and medicating it; do what the doctor says or get a second, third, fourth opinion. Whatever you think you need to do. Make sure they do a full work up on you to make sure you are able to tolerate the surgery. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

January 9, 2009
I have Multiple Sclerosis and have no choice but to take steroids from time to time. This was a concern with my surgeon before the surgery but my neurologist wrote him a letter explaining that the benefits would outweight the negative and that was enough. At 2 years post-op I had a relapse of my condition and was put on IV steroids for a week. The first infusion did a number on my new pouch. The neurologist consulted with my surgeon and they decided to give me an IV with Prevacid before the steroids every day. They also gave me Nexium to take for 10 days. After my course of IV steroids, I had to take a Medrol pack as well. I followed the rules and the special diet they put me on, and I was just fine. As far as Asthma goes, they have much better alternatives to manage the condition these days. Oral steroids are only used in extreme cases and often as a last resource. Check with your pulmonologist for other altermatives such as Advair, Flovent and Serevent. Some of these newer meds are still steroids but inhaled rather than ingested, and should pose no threat to your new pouch. Good luck.
   — maria09elena