Question:
Why can't RNY patients use anti-inflammatories anymore?

Why are our stomachs so much more sensitive after RNY that we can't use anti-inflammatories anymore?    — Christine L. (posted on September 11, 2002)

September 11, 2002
From what I understand, with the smaller RNY tummy, we have an increased risk of stomach irritation from NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as aspirin and ibuprofen.) We can get ulcers easier than non-WLS people. Safer to stick to Tylenol based over the counter meds or narcotics for more serious pain control. Hope the info. helps.
   — Terissa R.

September 11, 2002
terissa is right. Stick with tylenol. Ulcer = BAD
   — RebeccaP

September 11, 2002
I have taken Aleve (ok'd by my doc) since about 3 weeks post op. I am 18 mos. post op and have had no problem with taking it. Each doc recommends something different.
   — RDSunshyne

September 11, 2002
Those are "pouch burners". Being an ulcer sufferer pre-op, too, I well remember the agony before anyone lumped them all into one category. I had one ulcer after another. They're hard on normies! That was 1 tiny pill in one BIG stomach. Now, we have no space, no normal acids in the pouch--it's a different environment. TOO, Vioxx & Celebrex are considered "safe" for sensitive tummy people, however, tell that to those who've had gastric bleed! They don't just burn the lining they touch, they actually prevent the formation of normal mucous (of which we already have too little), and so any that MIGHT have made them safe is banished. Double whammy. I've gotten pain and ulcer from not being careful with labels, and believing the hype on these. My buddies who have had gastric bleed had no pain, no warning. Just a lot of blood where it didn't belong and a week or more in patient.
   — vitalady

September 11, 2002
Chistine, I called my surgeons office this morning to ask if Vioxx would be ok to take since I have had terrible neck pain for past 2 days. His nurse said it would be ok but only for a couple of days. The new quick dissolve Excedrin are really good and don't taste bad at all. I got the Peppermint flavored and they also come in Spearmint. Hope this helps......Sherry
   — Sherry S.

September 11, 2002
Christine---ulcers are not the worst problem you can get from NSAID's (which include any kind of aspirin)after your wls! The doctor's are afraid of the bleeding that they can cause (see the insert on any anti-inflammatory or the label on over-the-counter). I realize that it make cause this in only 1% of the people that take them, but doctors consider that too hi-risk. Unfortunately for me as well, i take Mobic for arthritis,bursitis,back, knees, hands----IT'S REALLY BAD! I also have only used Excedrin for my headaches over the years --- only thing that has worked for me! I was told i couldn't take these meds shortly my surgery was scheduled and was really pissed off! I hadn't heard of it, and it wasn't in the literature i read, etc, etc. Then i decided to read the insert for Lodine, a common NSAID I had used in the passed that's for good ----- especially for knee problems. Man ----- you wouldn't want to take the chance after reading the warnings! Of course that's true about most drugs! They have to tell you in writing what their clinical trials showed. But I sure wouldn't want to be one of the 1% either. I decided to leave it up to God and cross my fingers. Unfortunately, I have carpal tunnel in both hands and arthritis really bad. I am seeing a new hand specialist next month to see what he can do because they are bad----for now i just use the mouse with whichever hand hurts less! I am sure the doc may approve short term usage, if necessary, with celebrex maybe. It's a new drug(along with Vioxx) that is supposed to cause less stomach problems). As for the ulcers, most are known now to be caused by bacteria which can be alleviated by anti-biotics. I learned this several years back and started using Prilosec then to protect my stomach from the NSAIDS! I now use NEXIUM ----it works all day long. I wish you luck!
   — Adele F.

September 12, 2002
I am scheduled for an RNY in October. I just asked my surgeon last night about this at a monthly support group meeting (Sept.11)..he stated that Ibuprofen (an anti-immflamatory) is okay to use in small amounts periodiclly, but not on a daily basis, day after day. I had asked because Ibuprofen is the only thing that works for me regarding my monthly cramps, so I'd only need to use it sparingly once a month. I never use aspirin so this isn't an issue for me,. but the Ibuprofen was. Jaye Stiles 10/23/02 Laproscopic RNY
   — Jaye S.

September 12, 2002
Aleve (which is Naproxen) was told to me by my surgeon that it was not ok to use. So, yes, it depends on your surgeon. Everyone is different I guess.
   — Jaye S.