do other meds absorb?

One of the questions on my list for my surgeon Tuesday is how meds absorb. I know meds for bp and other weight related issues often become unnecessary, but for example I'm taking antibiotics now for strep throat (I love my kids) is that a problem post op? just the first year or so? and what about pain meds? I can't take advil forever or until my new pouch heals? Also I read "WLS for dummies" cover to cover over the last 24 hours, no carbonated beverages forever? I love that no cal bubbly flavored h2o...

Lexia: I don't have my research notebook or my "WLS For Dummies" book with me here at work, so I'm going by memory. In the book there's a comprehensive listing of medications that you need to avoid after surgery. From what I've been able to research, the medications on that list are no-no's because your body won't be able to use them in the same way it did before. Many medications rely on the bile produced by your stomach to begin digestion and the break down of those medicines --- because you will no longer have that in your pouch, the medicines will be rendered useless. Definitely talk to you doctor about specific medications you're on right now that might need to be changed post-op. And yes, I seem to remember that Advil is on of the things on that list and most other asprin-based pain relievers. I love Excederin and it works great for me, but after I have surgery it won't be effective for me. Post-op, it'll be Tylenol for me. There's a pretty hot debate about carbonated beverages. Some say they are OK after a certain point, some say never ever again. You'll need to figure out what your surgery program allows by asking those questions. But you can probably count on the fact that you'll be giving up carbonated drinks for at least the first year or two after surgery. You're dealing with a newly formed pouch that is probably going to be "tender" to harsh chemicals like carbonic acid - so you have to remember to treat it with TLC. My sister is 5 years out (Open RNY) and drinks diet coke like it's going out of style -- who knows if it's healthy for her pouch or not, but it's proof that it can be done. It's good that you're doing the research. Keep reading and asking questions! Pam