Question:
I forgot to ask my very busy surgeon about taking over the counter medications

for such things as headache, stomach ache, constipation, cough and cold. I like to plan ahead and have what I need on hand. Someone told me NO ADVIL ever. Is that true? One more thing, do you adjust the dosage to accomodate the tiny pouch? Like for nausea if I took Pepto-Bismal, would I take a children's dose? Please help! I have asked him so many questions I'd like to find the answers here if you all can help me! Thanks.....    — Marilyn C. (posted on December 17, 2000)

December 16, 2000
Marilyn, Hon, you are paying the doctor to give you this advice. don't be afraid to call each and every time you have a question. In the least, his nurse can get the answer and call you back. She is used to this. To get an answer on medication from here is probably not the best route as we just don't know the specifics about your surgery and also because each doctor is just slightly different in what he will and will not allow. Please just give him a call..I promise they won't be upset...it's their job. Good luck.
   — Barbara H.

December 16, 2000
Hi Marilyn, I call my doctor, my surgeon, and my pharmacist...ALL THE TIME! It is their job to help me...as I haven't a clue what I'm doing...*giggles* I know your surgeon is busy..but, it is his/her responsibility to help you succeed, not just have a wonderful life-changing surgical tool..but be there for AFTERCARE! Call him or her NOW! Do not depend on anyone else's advice...too important to leave to amateurs...especially like people like me...hahaha. I promise they won't get mad or upset..it is a very valid question...and one I forgot to ask my doctor also..the only thing I knew for sure was I couldn't take ibuprofen (I love ibuprofen)...no, too harsh on my new tummy. Also, I had to stay away from coated tylenol...I can have regular tylenol. Coated takes too long to dissolve. Well, I have rambled enough...now - go call your doctor and find out what you can take, okay sweetie? Your WLS friend, Terri
   — Terri G.

December 17, 2000
I agree that you should ask your own surgeon about this. Every surgeon has somewhat different advice about medications. But, that said, here are the over-the-counter drugs that my surgeon says are ok for me. For colds, robitussin, dimetapp, sudafed, benadryl, preferably sugar-free formulas for any syrups. For constipation, milk of magnesia, colace, dulcolax suppositories. For diarrhea, Imodium AD, (NOT pepto-bismol). For pain, Tylenol, (NOT Advil, Aspirin, Aleve, or Excedrin). For upset tummy, Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, Rolaids. For gas, Gas-x, phazyme, or mylicon.
   — Lynn K.