Your doctor wants to help you

December 6, 2003

Sherri: Ibuprofen is on the list of meds to avoid after you have gastric

surgery because it's the number 1 cause of stomach ulcers. If the ibuprofen

were to get hung up in your pouch it could remain in contact with the

gastric mucosa for a long time and cause problems. That said, we actually

recommend our patients take liquid ibuprofen (children's motrin) after

surgery because it helps with post-op inflammation and swelling. The liquid

stuff should run right through and open band. Taking an occasional

ibuprofen and washing it through with plenty of fluid should not be a

problem. Taking large doses frequently should be avoided. There are better

non-steroidal anti-inflammatories on the market that do not have this great

of a chance of irritating the lining of your stomach.

If you haven't had a BM since Friday it's time for Milk of Magnesia -- Dr.

Rumbaut actually sent me home with two big bottles of anti-gas formula

Maalox with instructions to take it 3 times a day at least and that has a

tendency to cause diarrhea. But it also helps get the gas out.

Yes, drinking hot liquids and walking around will help the gas pass. Both

pain meds and anesthesia slow down your normal bowel function. These are

standard post-op instructions for any abdominal surgery. If you have more

questions or problems you should contact your doctor.

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My suggestion

Early dinner

Short prize ceremony

Karaoke

Late night hot tub party for those staying at the hotel

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Tania from Alaska does a great water aerobics class.

Toni: did you make it through your 12 hour shift?

Everybody is different. I'd say it takes 3 weeks or more after major

surgery for some people to feel normal. Some people feel normal the next

day. Sometimes it takes 3 months. You really never go back to " normal "

after banding -- you find a new normal. But you will be feeling better

soon. You need to rest more until you are fully recovered.

Sherri: tightness in the chest could be a sign you are drinking too much,

getting pneumonia or having a heart attack. You'll have to be more

specific. You should be taking plenty of deep breaths and walking around to

help prevent pneumonia. Call the doctor if this is a serious problem.

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