Just be sure that you bring this up with Dr. Wynn before surgery and make her aware that you've got something chronic.  As I said, I don't know what AS is or its treatment regimen, so I can't advise you.  I guess if you're ok without NSAIDS now, you'd probably be fine without them in the future.

I'll hang out with ya Bronwen

It's Vietnamese catfish.  Very tasty.    Below is the nutritional info on it.

http://www.calorieking.com/foods/calories-in-fresh-fish-basa-swai-vietnamese-catfish-raw-edible-portion_f-Y2lkPTU3JmJpZD0xODI0JmZpZD0xMDY3MTcmZWlkPTUxMjI3OTA0MyZwb3M9MSZwYXI9JmtleT1WaWV0bmFtZXNl.html

 it was DELICIOUS!  I like the consistency of it and the marinade gave it that little extra something.  Even my husband (*****ally isn't a fish eater) enjoyed it.  Thanks for spreading the word about Swai.  

 Congratulations!   This is the beginning of a whole new wonderful chapter in your life.    

 I had RNY and to tell you the truth, the pain wasn't so bad (maybe 3 -4 TOPS), since it's done by laser.  While I was in the hospital, if I really needed it, I could hit the "pain pump" and it would dispense the meds.  But really, I didn't need it much (and I gave birth twice so I know pain LOL).  I too had back pain from the bed, which hurt more than the incisions  LOL  

Even though I work at a Fitness center, I held off telling most of my co-workers.  As the weeks went by I felt more confident about my decision to have the surgery that little by little i told more people.  They were all very supportive.  The people I was most wary about telling were some friends.  But they too have been extremely supportive.  My suggestion to you would be to "play it by ear" when spreading the word about your surgery/weight loss.