What Medication to Take and What to Avoid After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

After getting a gastric sleeve in Maryland, you have to face a lot of changes. One of those is avoiding certain medications for at least a few weeks — though in some cases, you’ll have to cut down or avoid them for life. While your surgeon should go over the specifics with you since they can vary between patients, we can give you the basics on medications to avoid after gastric sleeve surgery.

Are Pills Safe After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Taking pills after gastric sleeve surgery is safe once you are cleared to do so by your doctor. Typically, during the first few weeks after surgery, you will take liquid medications or crush your pills into a powder. However, not all pills can be safely crushed and taken, so do not do this indiscriminately. Only take medications your doctor approves.

What About OTC Pain Killers?

Some over-the-counter pain medications are OK to take after you have gastric sleeve surgery. However, they are highly limited. In most cases, you will only be approved to take acetaminophen, which is the generic name for Tylenol. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) must be avoided until full recovery since they can cause ulcers. Once the patient has fully recovered, these medicines can be used on occasion, but not consistently. It is important to note that many arthritis medications are NSAIDs, so if you have any type of arthritis, you will want to work out a new treatment plan with your rheumatologist prior to getting bariatric surgery.

Are There Other Common Medications That Are a Concern?

Yes. Medications that contain estrogen must be discontinued for at least two weeks after gastric sleeve surgery. This includes birth control and hormone replacement therapy. Since these medications are known to cause blood clots, they increase the risk of post-surgery complications. It should also be noted that you may need to use a backup form of birth control once you are feeling well enough to start having sex again as taking a two-week break from birth control leaves you unprotected for about a month after you resume your pills. Additionally, steroids should also be avoided. These can delay healing, hold back the immune system, and harm the lining of the stomach. While occasional steroid use is ok after the first two weeks, chronic use should never be resumed. Are you curious about the Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery or Diet After Gastric Sleeve Surgery? We would be happy to answer any questions! Contact MD Bariatrics to speak with a weight loss surgeon in Baltimore.