Question:
what types of pain medicine is safe to take post-op?

I am two months post op and i was involved in a car accident yesterday. I hurt my arm pretty bad and they gave me vicadin for it, but i was just wondering what other types of medicine i can take without hurting my new pouch?    — jojogreen37 (posted on June 2, 2005)

June 2, 2005
Vicodin (Hydrocodone) is fine since it is Tylonol based.
   — SJP

June 3, 2005
I think that's a question for your WLS doc. In fact, do you have/wear a MEDIC ALERT card/tag alerting EMT's that you're a gastric bypass patient? I have both & it gives me peace of mind. The reasons include the fact that we cannot have breathing tubes just shoved down our throats because that can rupture our pouches. EMT's need that info. All the best! Lauralyn Lap RNY 2/13/03 @ size 3X Today @ size 8
   — EmbodySuccess

June 3, 2005
Just wanted to make a correction on the last post - having a breathing tube (or endotracheal tube) is NOT a problem if you have an RNY. The endotracheal tube goes down your throat and into your trachea and is not long enough to reach the pouch, even if accidentally inserted into the esophagus. Your medic alert should say "No blind NG", as the nasogastric tube is the one that goes dopwn your throat, into the esophagus and into the pouch and possilbly causing problems. If the NG is placed using an endoscope, then it is not a problem.
   — koogy

June 3, 2005
I am preop and my surgeon said Ultram is ok to take for pain after a bypass. I would ask your surgeon to make sure.
   — muffin56

June 4, 2005
Josi, just make sure whatever you do that you drink lots and lots of water in order to not get constipated. Did I mention LOTS of liquids? Been there, done that and it's super painful. I had the DS, but was given oxicodone after surgery. Make sure to have a bite or two before taking too, in order to have something in your system so you don't get sick. Good luck to you and I hope you're feeling better soon.
   — Cinna G.

June 7, 2005
I think you should talk to the surgeon who performed your gastric surgery to get his opinion. But I think vicadin may be ok, as by surgeon prescribed it for me for pain that I was having.
   — aprilbaree

June 10, 2005
Whatever you take do NOT take pain meds on an empty stomach!!!! I think I hurt my pouch really bad by doing that.
   — Danmark

June 12, 2005
I was given Darvocet for kidney stone problems. It is Tylenol based so it shouldnt hurt the pouch. Just have a little food in your stomach before you take it or I guarantee you will be worshipping the porcelain God shortly after you take it.
   — Kris T.