Ok, I've posted on here before that I had lower lumbar surgery 12 years ago. I had 2 cages inserted and bone fused from my hip. The surgery helped uplift my discs off of one another. They were collasped and I have permanent nerve damage. The surgery did absolutely nothing for the pain. I have been taking oxycontin. I take 10mg in morning and 10mg before bed. It is truly the ONLY way I can function. It still doesn't take away all of the pain; however, it does alliviate the severity of it. I cannot function without this! Oh and yes, I've tried everything else, but to no avail. The oxycodon liquid I was taking every 4 hours or when needed. It helped with my surgery pain, but left my back still in horrible pain until I had difficulty walking, sitting or lying down. The liquid made me so sleepy about 1/2 hour later that I could not function either. I know the timed released is not good, but no professional has anything else I can do. I've called the surgeon's office, the pharmacy and my medical doctor. I also have trouble getting bad tasting stuff down. I just can't eat or drink anything more that tastes awlful. My wonderful medical doctor called me and told me that I came a long way and that I should be very proud of myself for taking the steps to a better life. She doesn't know much about banding, nor does she know what to do about my oxycontin. She has been in contact with the surgeon's office. Anyway, she said that I needed to take myself to a calm place and tell myself that I need to be proud of everything I have done. She knows me so well and she also knows I am not a chronic complainer and I'm one for doing whatever it takes to get better and following whatever doctor's orders are. I just feel lost that no one has given me another way out of my timed released pill if it does damage, like creates ulcers and could even cause internal bleeding. I want to enjoy this time so much, but I have this hanging over my head. I've talked to everyone about the meds.