Question:
Has anyones WLS dr dennied surgery because they are on pain meds?

I broke my back in an auto accident years ago and in the meantime I have had severe arthritis set in along with degeneration and reflux dystrophy syndrome. My WLS dr says I have to be off all pain meds before surgery. I can't even move or walk without them. This is the reason I want the surgery...to be able to get around without being on all these meds. Has anyone else had this problem???? Please HELP as I am very depressed over this. Cathy    — Catherine B. (posted on June 22, 2005)

June 22, 2005
I had to be off all pain meds (degenerative arthritis) for 10 days after surgery. It wasn't easy, but I wanted thr surgery more than I wanted temporary pain relief. After surgery the doc didn't want me back on them for 2 weeks and explained the risks of going back on them at all (cox-2 inhibitors btw) I've taken 2 celebrex and maybe 2 lortab in the 4 month's since surgery. I'm using a brace and PT to try to get relief/strength. And as the weight comes off it gets easier. Which is more important ~ short term or long term?
   — kel

June 22, 2005
Are you sure its all pain meds? I had to stop taking Naprosyn because it was starting to cause ulcers and can cause leaking in new post ops. I switched to Ultram and that is what I take now for chronic back and neck pain.
   — jenafwife

June 23, 2005
I had an extremely arthritic hip from a car accident when I had my surgery. What I learned was I had to stop using pain medicines like Celebrex or Advil type things. Opiates were OK. Maybe your surgeon can give you a Fentanyl patch to wear starting before and through the surgery. I wore a patch for months until I had my hip replaced. The only thing is you'll need to be weaned off the patch later. Good Luck!!!!!
   — Carol S.

June 24, 2005
I was told the same thing. I did it and it was sooooo worth it..You can do it hon....The patch sounds like a great idea, discuss it with your doctor..
   — Kathy S.