What should I tell my surgeon regarding my medications use? Does aspirin and Advil count as medication? Will I have to change my medications?
Each patient should inform the physician about every medication he/she is taken, whether it is a prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Generally, most medications such as hormone replacements can be taken without change in dosage or route. However, effects of some medications can cause deleterious problems. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, etc.) may cause gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers or other side-effects. Another example is diuretics which some patients may be taking as anti-hypertensive or cardiac medications. Diuretics affect the kidney and can cause loss of potassium or other electrolyte balance. Post-weight loss surgery, a patient's food and fluid intake is diminished and altered; this can cause complications, including electrolyte imbalance and cardiac arrhythmias, even to the point of causing death. Consult with your physician before resuming medications, post-operatively.<
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