Question for the women

OK, so we can't take NSAIDS, what is the best to take for monthly cramps?  I get them soooo bad cuz I have fibroids and I would love any suggestions you have cuz I feel them coming on.. ugh!

Thanks so much!


Jackie

PS. I can call the doctor tomorrow but was curious what the smart peeps of Cali can offer.. usually better answers here! :)

FOR NEWBIES ONLY!

Well that is certainly one main reason to choose the DS so newbies out there, check out all weight loss surgeries. With the DS, one can take NSAIDS, have a regular stomach, although smaller, no strictures, can drink with meals, and can even have carbonation if you choose to. So many things I missed when I had the GB; now I am switched and doing great.

Karen, glad the DS is now working for you as you couldn't get the RNY to work for you.  Everyone is different, aren't we?  I was seriously contemplating a revision to the DS just recently because I was sure the RNY had failed me.  I refused to believe that it was all my fault that I had gained back some of my weight.  But when I truly soul searched, when I started to eat sufficient amounts of proteins instead of easier slider foods, imagine my delight to know that my RNY is still very much there and very much working.  I've learned my lesson and it doesn't mean that I have to eat with restrictions at all times.  What it means is that once I take the weight off that I've gained, I can eat whatever I want with moderation.  I can eat like a normal person .  It doesn't mean I can sit and eat bags of candy, boxes of cookies and all the fried foods I can manage.  It doesn't mean I can have ice cream everyday.  What it means is that I become a normal functioning human, who watches their weight and exercises and whether it be weekends or special occassions, I can then have whatever I want.  And if I gain 5 pounds, just like every other normal human walking on this earth, I diet for a couple of days and take that weight off.

I would advise though that perhaps you not give out information that you are not 100% correct about.  RNYer's can take NSAIDS.  Not on a regular basis and not to excess.  I use NSAIDS when my back goes out or for arthritic pain that I may be experiencing.  I don't take them like candy and I don't take them for long periods of time, but based on the information I was given from several WLS doctors those that doe RNY and DS, the way I take NSAIDS should never cause me a problem.  Being as I am 5 years out from my RNY and have been taking Advil on and off for at least 3 years with no ill effects, I'd say my doctors must know what they are talking about.

Again congratulations on your new success with the DS.  I'm sure it must be a relief for you now to be able to eat whatever you want in any amounts.  However, from my research, once your weight is off, DSer's who overeat will also put weight back on.  Hopefully you've learned this lesson and going through second surgery is not in vain for you.

One final message I have is that the reason I posted this is that you did post on your message for the attention to newbies/pre-ops.  I just want them to see all sides of the situation so then can research and make a decision as what is best for them.

***Hijack***

Hi Stephanie!! Missed you and Mike camping this weekend. Hope to see you both soon. Congrats on getting back on track with your eating and weightloss. =)

We were sorry we missed getting up there too.  But we couldn't pass up tickets to see Ralphie May.  He was great.  Filthy dirty but great.  Glad you had a good time though.

Stephanie

Hey STephanie, glad you are now doing well. You found the big secret for the GB. Unfortunately, I never could get to that spot. That is why I went to my original GB surgeon and he mentioned revision. He wanted me to get a lapband over the pouch. Ouch! But I did go home to reasearch it online and in so doing found the DS. I never left the DS forum. It was the anser to my prayers. So I went to a doctor who did the DS, Dr. Keshishian in Delano and after tests, etc, he told me I had a fast follow-through from the esophagus out through the stomach (pouch) and no food was staying in long enough (this is what I remember, I could be wrong, but I did know he did say fast follow though) and he said I definitely was a candidate for the DS. Long story short, after two years of trying to save the money for the 4 grand program fee, I finally was able to get the DS. NO< I do NOT EAT WHATEVER I WANT IN ANY AMOUNT! That is ludicrous. I am able occasionally to have small amout of carb, but mostly imbibe in protein and, of course, liquids. I still love crystal lite and all the different brands. No food has given me trouble, well except for onions early on, but now they are fine to eat. The weight is coming off slowly as I am a revision, but it seems to be working great. I have taken off 34 pounds in just under 3 months, and I am ecstatic that it is coming off and I do hope to see my goal this time round.

And you are so right to give newbies all sides of any situation. That is why I advocate for all docs (RnY docs and lapband docs) to tell their patients about the DS out there so if they want to consider a DS, go find a doctor who does it. I sure wish more docs around the country did the DS to accommodate more people who cannot afford to travel for the DS as so many have had to do.

Again, glad you are doing well Stephanie.

"Now that I am switched."  Every time I see that phrase, it makes me think of trains!  Hi Karen!  Glad that all is good for you.  But even though you had to go through the two surgeries, I guess the bright side to the experience is that it makes you appreciate the DS even more.  Keep up the good work!

Hugs to you!
Jillie

Thanks for your comment, however, Ive had RNY and Im happy with it so far, Im just curious what I can take to work it the right way.  Im sure many many people get by, i just wanted suggestions is all.

Thanks,

Jackie

I know people have really bad reactions to NSAIDS and get sick. I don't.

I only get cramps on rare occasions so when I asked my surgeon about it he said it would be ok to take NSAIDS once in a great while, as long as I did not make it a regular thing.

Sometimes, I also take them after a really long run to help in my recovery.

The best thing to do would be to follow whatever your surgeon says.  Good luck, being a girls sucks sometimes...

Jacie,

Right now you can't do NSAIDs.  You are too new from surgery.  But down the road in a year or so, you should be able to take them with moderation.  I do take them and have for a couple of years.  I don't take them on a regular basis and I only take them when I know tylenol will not work.

Do you have anything left of the pain meds the doctor gave you after surgery?  If yes, you might try a half dose.

As for what else you can take now.  I'm just not sure.  So, yes a call to your doctor tomorrow will be required.  I also was dealing with fibroids and know how painful they can be.  I recently had to have a hysterectomy.  I did find a heating pad on my tummy sometimes helped.  But then again, I have a very high tolerance for pain so I can't tell you that will help you.  But it might be worth a try.

Hope you feel better soon.

Stephanie