Question:
What does everyone take for headaches?

I am 3 weeks post-op and have a headache. I know after WLS we can not swallow pills, so what are post-ops suppose to use that does not require a prescription?    — Vanessa J. (posted on February 10, 2001)

February 10, 2001
Why can't you take pills? I am 8 weeks post and take many daily pills a day. I even snuck my xanax into the hospital and took them to sleep after I passed my leak test...shhhhh.
   — Robin Q.

February 10, 2001
I know it is hard to take pills sometimes. I was a true baby post-op. My esophagus was sore for liek a month. If you have a hard time taking pills, try 'softening up' your throat by drinking some hot liquid. It really did the trick for me. Anyhow - Tylonol is about the only thing we can take for run of the mill headaches. If it is more severe, you can call your surgeon and see what he/she recommends. Tylonol also make a liquid form. Be careful though, it has alcohol in it. May cause you to dump. Also, you can break pills in half if needed.
   — Patti S.

February 10, 2001
I take prescription Celebrex for headaches and body aches or soreness. I went to the Bariatric Treatment Center in IL for surggery in 1999. Tylenol did not help for me, never did. BTC said that Celebrex was safer for our pouches. You just need one capsule every 24 hours. I started taking pills 6 weeks post op. 18 months post op, I am now swallowing horse size vitamins. Good luck.
   — Laura L.

February 10, 2001
My surgeon resumed my prior medications (all in pill form) the day I was discharged from the hospital following a lap RNY...2 days post-op...and I never had any problems. He does not allow any aspirin or ibuprofen post-op...only Tylenol Extra-strength or the pain medication he prescribes. Aspirin and ibuprofen can cause irritation or inflammation of the stomach lining and possible bleeding at the surgery site. Some prescription anti-inflammatory drugs (like Arthrotec) contain a component to protect the stomach lining, and are used frequently by bariatric surgeons. Just follow your physician's guidelines...good luck!
   — Diana T.