Some medicines can cause problems after lap-band surgery.
Lap-band surgery is less invasive than typical gastric bypass surgery, making it a good choice for some patients who are concerned about the risks associated with bypass surgery. Many patients recover from lap-band surgery with few complications and side effects. Some medications can irritate the stomach and lengthen the recovery time from lap-band surgery. Always follow the advice and recommendations of your doctor and check with your doctor before starting or stopping any new medication or supplement.
Tablets
After lap-band surgery, most patients can take powder or bead-filled capsules whole, provided they take them with plenty of water. Tablets and pills can get stuck in the newly banded stomach. To prevent this from happening, most doctors recommend that lap-band patients crush or dissolve tablets before taking them. Lap-band patients can mix the crushed or dissolved tablets in soft foods and drinks to disguise the taste.
Prescription Medications
Lap-band patients may not be able to take some prescription medications immediately following surgery. According to the Houston Surgical Specialists, lap-band patients should avoid many prescription medications until one week after surgery. Some prescription medications that may cause problems if they are taken within the first week after surgery include cholesterol drugs, pain medications, blood thinners and muscle relaxants. Lap-band patients should provide their doctors with a list of prescription medications they currently take at least a month prior to surgery. The doctor or surgeon will advise lap-band patients of any medications they should stop taking prior to surgery and medications to avoid after the procedure.
Stomach-Irritating Medications
Some common medications can cause stomach irritation following lap-band surgery. Some people are able to take these medications without a problem, so it is important for patients to consult with their doctors for specific recommendations. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naprosyn, can cause stomach irritation. Most lap-band patients are able to take acetaminophen for pain relief following surgery without a problem. Diuretics, or water pills, can also cause stomach irritation following lap-band placement. Diuretics can also create potentially dangerous potassium deficiencies post-op.
Aspirin
Lap-band patients should avoid medicines that contain aspirin for at least 48 hours after surgery to reduce the risk of post-surgical bleeding, according to the Houston Surgical Specialists. Common medications that contain aspirin include Alka-Seltzer, Excedrin and Vanquish. Bleeding can still occur if patients take aspirin or other blood thinners after the 48-hour window. If post-surgical bleeding occurs, all aspirin medications and blood thinners must be stopped to reduce the risk of serious complications.
