How to talk to Dr about pain meds following gastric sleeve?

Question

I was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis & it is very painful. I was given celebrex & a night splint. I tried to explain to the Dr that I cannot take nsaids, but he refused to listen. My pcm is currently away so I'm stuck seeing whoever has an opening. My surgeon said to tell them I need narcotic pain meds, no nsaids. I don't want to look like a druggie, but I need to be able to walk/stand without so much pain. Tylenol isn't helpful either :( What do I say to the Dr I follow up with?

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Although most bariatric surgeon will often request to avoid NSAIDS( None steroidal anti-inflammatory), I have many patients that use NSAIDS with the sleeve gastrectomy surgery and they do not have any problem.  Having said that I also recommend that your bariatric surgeon write a short letter if he strongly believes you should not be on any type of NSAIDS.  Now with Gastric bypass surgery this is significantly different issue.  Gastric bypass operation is an ulcerogenic operation by nature.  Is is prone to ulcer, and adding NSAIDS to the mix can have deleterious effects, such as ulcers, bleeding and perforation.    For gastric bypass patients use of NSAIDS is contraindicated and most all bariatric surgeons avoid the use.

Mark Pleatman, MD (retired) · Answer

With sleeve gastrectomy, the only modification made to your anatomy is that the stomach is smaller.  That's it.  No rerouting.  This is a great advantage over gastric bypass, and one of the reasons I recommend it to most patients.  You can take ANY medication after sleeve gastrectomy.  Yes, we usually ask patients too avoid pills in the first month or so, for fear that they might get stuck.  And it might be reasonable to avoid NSAIDs during that first month while the staple line is healing; but after that, you can take any medication you need.Ask your surgeon to provide you with evidence showing why you can't take an NSAID.  There is none.  By the way, Celebrex is even safer, and has a low risk of causing stomach ulcers.

How to talk to Dr about pain meds following gastric sleeve?

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How to talk to Dr about pain meds following gastric sleeve?

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Everything you need to know about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.