Yep, I admit it. I took Ibuprofen.

I know this is a no no with the band but I have been in agony with my back. I have 3 herniated disks and this is the only thing that helps. Does anyone else take this? Is it ok once in a great while. I just need to take it to help the swelling go down (1-2 doses) and then am fine sometimes for another month or two.

My doc just says to take either zantac, pepsid AC or another reflux/acid controller medicine while you are taking ibuprofen.

Call them and see if they feel the same, many do.

Why is this a no-no?  Because of the pills?  I take it all the time - plus I have some stronger stuff - tramadol and dauldid if necessary for back pain.  I broke part of my L1 back in December and it still bothers me!

I've never had a problem and aside from hearing horror stories of pills getting stuck and causing an irritated stoma, I had no idea there was something wrong with taking these?

Hugs,
Kristen

Thanks guys for your replies! I can always count on you two as well as a few others to reply!
I heard that Ibuprofen causes band erosion?? I too take pills cut into 2's or 4's depending on the size. I am going to ask my surgeon on Friday but thought I could get some insight here in the meantime.

I was told it was bad, but then when I directly told my doctor that I take it every few months when I get my weird headaches he said that's fine. It is the only thing that helps.

Ibuprofen and Naprosyn are hard on the stomach and aren't recommended for people that have ulcers, reflux, etc.  Tylenol is safer and not as irritating to the stomach, but honestly I've never found it quite as effective.  Check with your doc and see if occasional use of ibuprofen is okay, or if there is an enteric coated one (not sure if one exists) that wouldn't be damaging.

My sugeons office said only take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain...no NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Other NSAIDs are celebrex, mobic, vioxx, naproxen, etc. NSAIDs have the potential to cause irritation, ulceration, bleeding and perforation of the lining of the stomach - not a good thing with a LapBand! 

My doctor said it was okay occassionally.  I either use the liquid form or dissolving tablets and follow with lots of fluids to wa**** through the pouch. 

My doc is fine with NSAIDs, and so is Dr Curry.

It is my understanding that the earlier guidelines were no NSAIDS but that this ruling has been relaxed.

I have taken them as necessary ever since being banded, with my doc's blessing.

Kate

I do take children's ibuprofen and follow it with some water to wa**** through the band.

My dr told me not to take the pills because the ibuprofen sits on top of the band to disolve, which can cause problems. When a non-banded person takes it, the pills disolve at the bottom of the stomach where the stomach acid helps it along.

I would think if it's an occassional use, it would be okay. I know that nothing helps my neck or back when they flare up. I feel for you!