Meds for arthritis

[Lulu 0]

Is anyone taking anti-inflamitory meds? Do they hurt the band?

[tweety63 0]

I have RA I take a weekly dose of methrotrexate 7pills on thurs night, then daily I take feldene and proxican, haven't had any trouble yet. My surgeon had me off all meds the first two months after the band. Then I was having to many flair ups and started taking all meds again, no problems.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Lulu you need to discuss with your surgeon.

[*Love* 2]

No meds will physically harm your band as it is on the outside of your esophagus at the top of your stomach. The problem you can have is with the size. Larger pills can get stuck in the opening to your stomach. I crush or split my bigger pills, or I get liquid or chewable versions.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

There are some types of medication that can cause erosion in the stomach. NSAIDS do. So depending on what type of arthritis med, it can be contraindicated in people who have had the band or bypass surgery. Our doc told us to always avoid those, and time-release type medications. (they stay in stomach too long and you get too much medication) That's why it's best to talk with your surgeon and if that isn't possible, to your prescribing doctor. There may be a different form they can prescribe, or have specific dosing instructions to give you to minimize risk of ulcerations etc.