Question:
Can you still take Ibuprofen products after a DS?

My understanding is that you cannot take any NSAID's after a RNY or DS surgery because of absorption issues, but then I've also heard that after a number of months you may be able to use them again 'on occassion'. What has been your experience? What do you take for pain as an alternative?    — daybreak (posted on May 1, 2011)

May 1, 2011
I had RNY 01/08 and my understanding is yes but only for a short period. I had plastics last year and my doctor gave me ibuprofen, I was worried about my pouch and also asked my RNY surgeon and he said yes, but only taking it a week or two was. I only took the liquid gel type and it definitely helped with the inflammation. Otherwise I rarely take any pain medications, occasionally acetaminophen(Tylenol was recalled a while back so any store brand) liquid gels.
   — ToniLee

May 1, 2011
The reason why RNYers cannot take Ibuprofen is because ibuprofen is part of a drug family called NSAIDs. These drugs can cause a thinning of the stomach linen which can lead to stomach ulcers. Sin e RNYers have a blind stomach (part of their stomach cannot be scoped endoscopally) it is recommended they do not take the risk. However us DSes we do not have a blind stomach we have a normally functioning sleeve (even though smaller) . It is recommended early out you do not use NSAIds because your sleeve is still new and it needs time to heal and mature. Once you are cleared by your surgeon to be able to take ibuprofen, it will not harm you in small dosages and if taken once in a blue moon. You should not however abuse the use of ibuprofen. Always ask your surgeon first, before taking a drug after surgery!
   — Frostbite25

May 1, 2011
I had a sleeve in dec 2009, with the understanding that I needed to continue taking many medications, including NSAIDS for my sever arthritis. I beleive my surgeon left my stomach a little bit bigger than normal for this reason, but I have been taking NSAIDS daily since shortly after my surgery. That said, I take only what is prescribed by my doctor (prescriptions NSAIDS are normally heavily buffered to minimize stomach upset) and very rarely anything over-the-counter. I agree with the previous answer that we must always inform our doctors about our surgery, and only take what they prescribe. I try to avoid over-the-counter medications when possible and rely heavily on non-aspirin formulas (tylenol) for incidental pain.
   — pshock

May 2, 2011
I was advised that if I need to take NSAIDS for an extended period of time for health issues that have surfaced since weight loss that I should take it with OTC Prilosec, it coats the lining of the stomach and helps prevent ulcers. Just take one Prilosec in the morning....
   — lmw9674