Meds prior to surgery

[KatInFL 216]

I have chronic, severe back pain for which I have had multiple surgeries and routinely see a pain management doctor. My pain mgmt Dr is supportive of my having wls, as any weight loss will only help my back. I will be going to Mexico, as my health insurance excluded coverage for all wls. I'm a little concerned as I've reached out to a couple of different coordinators for doctors and both commented I'd have to stop my pain meds at least 3 days prior to surgery. It's flat out not an option for me. Not having my meds has previously ended up in ER visits for me, the pain is nearly blinding and at about an 8-9 on a scale of 10. I can't imagine sitting on a plane and traveling for basically an entire day, with no meds. That type of travel hurts even when I AM on meds! I take an extremely common, generic, extended release version narcotic. I've had surgery while on this type of pain medication previously and had no complications from anesthesia or anything else.

I'm curious if anyone else here has had the sleeve and had a chronic pain condition that required medication. If so, did you have to stop your pain meds prior to surgery? How did you manage?

~Kat

[SoCalDixieGal 172]

Sometimes the coordinators just have blanket information. The practice I'm going to asked me to send one of the doctors a list of medications that I take. I wasn't told to stop all 3 days before surgery and was even told I could take an ambien the night before.

However, none are for pain so I realize it's not apples:apples, but I'd recommend if you could get the doctors email to contact them directly.

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

I had my sleeve surgery and stayed on my pain meds... It's only a problem if its a NSAID narcotic or contains aspirin.

What is the name of your medicine?

[KatInFL 216]

I had my sleeve surgery and stayed on my pain meds... It's only a problem if its a NSAID narcotic or contains aspirin.

What is the name of your medicine?

It's MS Contin ER. Basically, an extended release morphine...so no NSAID in it. I will add it to my list of questions to ask the Dr directly. I really can't imagine attempting this while being in out-of-control pain. I've had multiple laprascopic procedures and never had any issues. I actually have a fairly high pain tolerance and haven't needed pain meds for recovery from surgical procedures the last couple I've had. But I'm a little (okay, a lot) worried about even attempting this without meds for my back.

Thanks, ya'll, for your responses!

~Kat

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

I can't imagine having to do it either... Yes, contact the surgeon... My guess is you will be able to take it

Do they allow you to travel into Mexico with prescriptions?

[Richard Foor 655]

Definitely ask your dr. The only problem may be the time release due to the difference in the digestive process after sleeve due to smaller surface area of stomach, but if it is a problem I would think they may just have to change the dosage or go to a non time released version which you would have to take more frequently. good Luck.

[KatInFL 216]

I can't imagine having to do it either... Yes, contact the surgeon... My guess is you will be able to take it

Do they allow you to travel into Mexico with prescriptions?

I've never had an issue before, with the small amount of international traveling I've done, with prescriptions. As long as it's clearly marked in a bottle prescribed to me, I don't see why not. In any case, when I DO travel, I travel with the minimum amount possible for the timeframe I'll be gone. It's one of those things where I'd just prefer to protect myself from potentially being without meds due to theft.

[KatInFL 216]

Definitely ask your dr. The only problem may be the time release due to the difference in the digestive process after sleeve due to smaller surface area of stomach, but if it is a problem I would think they may just have to change the dosage or go to a non time released version which you would have to take more frequently. good Luck.

That's a good point; I hadn't really thought of absorption after surgery. Obviously, being ER, I can't crush, chew, or otherwise make it more digestable for my new stomach. I am at a middle of the road dose, so lowering the dose is certainly on option, as is changing to some other med. My dream would be to lose enough weight where my back isn't supporting so much of me and I can drastically reduce what I have to take to function. Even if it doesn't work out exactly that way, I have an amazing pain management doctor who has been treating me for years that is fantastic about trying different things to help me determine what works for my body. It'll just be more of that, after surgery!

~Kat

[JennyBeth 127]

Talk to your pain management doctor. Does it come in a liquid or dissolvable option? I take a couple of medications (not for pain) and I can get a liquid or dissolvable option for after surgery.