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Gastric sleeve surgery is a highly effective way to lose weight. However, it is still a surgical procedure, and the way it works is by removing a large portion of and changing the shape of the stomach so that it can hold less food. The body has to get used to these changes, and as a result, pain during gastric sleeve recovery is not uncommon.
Usually, the pain is not so severe to warrant prescription pain medication. But if you did want to take pain medication to make recovery a little easier, there are things you need to know before you do so. In this article, you’ll learn about pain medications after gastric sleeve surgery and whether or not you should use them.
Is Taking Pills After Gastric Sleeve Recommended?
Taking pills after gastric sleeve is generally okay. Your doctor will generally recommend that you continue taking most of the medications you were on before surgery. Some medicine can be phased out later with successful weight loss and health improvements.
You will also be asked to supplement your diet with multivitamins, however most surgeons recommend that patients take them in chewable form to aid in absorption. Some pills are too large to be taken safely after surgery. Pills larger than 1.5cm in length should be cut in half or crushed. Ask your doctor whether a pill is safe to be crushed or cut in half, as some pills should not be altered in any way.
What Pain Medication Can I Take After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Acetaminophen or Paracetamol
Acetaminophen or paracetamol is a very common over-the-counter medication, usually sold as Tylenol in the US. These are generally considered safe to use after tijuanamexico gastric sleeve surgery, as they can help reduce pain without increasing the risk of ulcers.
Opioids
Opioids are a class of drugs that share similar structures to compounds found in the opium poppy. They include morphine, hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet), codeine, fentanyl, and other similar medications.
If you have been prescribed opioids prior to surgery, they should be safe to continue; however, opioids increase the risk of constipation and they can be addictive. Ask your doctor about your opioid medications before you go through with surgery.
What Pain Medication Should I Avoid After Gastric Sleeve?
NSAIDs
NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are used to reduce inflammation and are NOT safe to be taken soon after gastric sleeve surgery. This is because NSAIDs carry an increased risk of developing marginal ulcers.
Over The Counter NSAIDs to Avoid
- Aspirin, or Excedrin
- Naproxen, or Aleve
- Ibuprofen, also sold as Motrin, Advil, and Nuprin
- Pepto-Bismol (contains salicylates)
Prescription NSAIDs To Avoid
- Vimovo
- Lodine
- Relafen
- Daypro
- Voltaren
- Indocin
If you’re unsure whether or not a pain medication is a NSAID, ask your doctor and they will tell you if it’s safe.
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