Three Questions from a Pre-Op

1. I know you can't take ibuprofen after WLS. Is the only thing you can take, Tylanol?  I take Advil 2-3 times a day. I've been trying to back off / switch to Tylanol, but it just doesn't work the same.  It's usually for back pain.

2.  For the GIRLS:  Is it true woman get a period right after surgery? God I hope not, what a PIA to deal with THAT while recovering.  If true, what brings it on?  None of my other surgeries did this to me (2 c-sections and an appendectemy)

3.  I was reading on the main board about some people who have an incision in their belly button? I don't recall seeing a diagram with an inscision IN the belly button. Is there?  Gross, freaking out about that!

Thanks guys!

**Oh, and non surgery related, how do you get a picture to show IN YOUR POST? Does it depend on the Editor you're using to type the message?  FOr those who use photobucket for their pictures, which selection do you COPY to paste in the message?

1.)Liquid Lortab (prescription) is a gift from the gods following WLS. I have left overs and have to use it during my period.
2.) Never got my period after surgery (not fixed only 29 at surgery time, WISH I was post menopausal)
3.) I have now had 4 surgeries that have gone through the belly button, no problems ever, hides the scar really well.No more no less pain going through there than other sites.
Side note: Since surgery, my cycle has been messed up beyond belief. I have THE WORST CRAMPS EVER!! Before, I would get mild cramps, take Advil, life was good. Now I literally have to take the Lortab the first day, or I can't function. Also used to be regular as clock work at 28 days, now anywhere from 26 to 35 days, no rhyme or reason.

Hey Dear!

1)...unfortunately Tylonal is the only OTC you can take.  Talk with you PCP about how to manage the pain after WLS.....my PCP is awesome and monitors me and my pain with script meds when I need them.

2)....I can't answer cuz I had a hysterectomy before WLS

3)....I am trying to recall if I had a incision in the BB or not...hmmmm, too many surgeries I am confused!LOL

and with computers I am not smart...hope someone can help ya there!
HUGS!

1.  You should NOT take ibuprofen (advil).  If tylenol doesn't work, ask your doctor for an alternative WLS-friendly med.  You'll have pain meds for a few days.  But if you have back pain before surgery, then you'll definitely need to ask about what you can take.  Ibuprofen is very hard on your stomach.

2.   Yes, you get the "evil sister" after surgery.  In fact, I don't think I know anyone who didn't get it (unless they had a hysterectomy or gone through menopause).  Bring your own pads/tampons because the ones they give you in the hospital are crap.  Oh, and my monthly bill is much, much, much heavier after WLS.  Don't know why.  Just is.  So be prepared.

3.  Don't know anything about incision in the belly button.  If they do, it isn't as bad as you think.  Tiny little incisions. 

Don't forget chapstick, either!  Your lips will dry out quickly.  And I'd also suggest baby wipes, too.

kelly

Yep, only tylenol. I have been lucky enough to not need any pain meds except for the first few days after surgery. I don't get many headaches etc. You may find that the back pain lessens after weight loss depending on the cuase.

Aunt Flo came at the normal time for me and has not changed at all. I was worried I would get it in the hospital too but I didn't. Guess I am very lucky :)

Wish I could help you on the photo thing but I am not smart enough to figure that out :)

You must be getting pretty excited. Do you have a date yet?

1 - Yes, Advil is a no-no.  My clinic did say I could use it MAYBE once or twice a month - but only if absolutely necessary, because Tylenol does nothing for me either.

2 - I got Aunt Flo the day after surgery :(  But since surgery, I have gone into menopause and have only had 3 more in the last 16 months.

3 - No BB incision for me.  But my sister has had them and says they're no worse than any other laproscopic incision.

I guess I'm bad because I take all kinds of stuff--Advil  included--for pain.  Mind you, I'm on Celebrex because of arthritis, and have a prescription for Prevacid to protect my little tiny stomach. Maybe that's why Advil does not cause problems.

If you are having RNY done laproscopically the doc will cut a little tiny hole at the belly button, along with 2 tiny other holes, for medical instruments.  Consult your doc about that.

And about the 'rag time'--don't recall any problems with that. However--gals AFTER surgery can become hyper-fertile, as the fat that held the hormones shrinks and releases a flood of hormones.  Apparently doctors recommend to gals who have not been fixed or had menopause that they double up on birth control.

 And I have no answer for the last part of your post.

I had an incision right below my bb.  Perfectly located to have my buttons on my pants rub and cause it to heal a little slower than the others.  It's all good though.  Really is not too big a deal.

I did not menstruate after surgery.  Sounds like I am one of the few, who hasn't been through menopause or had a hysterectomy.  I've always been pretty regular, and it arrived as scheduled, a couple weeks later.

One of the nurses at PNC told me that for pain that Tylenol won't touch, it's okay to take an Advil Liqui-gel once in a while.  The liqui-gel formula isn't as harsh on the pouch.  I have needed to take them for extreme knee pain on several occasions - one of those bad boys takes care of my pain INCREDIBLY well!  Tylenol works on headaches, but my knee is something else...

That's good to know. I'll ask about that.  I take the liquid-gel form now myself, but usually take 3-4 at a time for my back.