What pain meds work well for Gastric bypass patients?

I had gastric bypass Oct 2021. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and had to hold my biologicals, prednisone and other meds three weeks before my surgery and four weeks after. Every surgical group has their own restrictions regarding the biologicals. Yes, I was miserable for the most part. I was provided hydrocodone post-op for 2 weeks. Prior to surgery and after the hydrocodone, the rheumatologist recommended tramadol 100mg three times a day, Tylenol Arthritis three times a day and the use of heating pads or ice packs to joint and topicals like Voltaren for short-term use. I staggered the tramadol and Tylenol Arthritis so I was taking something about every three hours or so. I responded best to the ice pack over the heating pads which is unusual. The surgery did help my pain in my knees, ankles and back. Thankfully, my rheumatologist and the weight loss surgeon actually consulted with each other to determine the best approach in managing my treatments and pains. If the doctor managing your biologicals and the weight loss surgeon haven’t consulted regarding managing your pain during this period, request that they do to address your pain management needs while you’re off your biologicals.

My story is different than some in here. I’m a NAVY veteran. Things were hard, after 2 sons born after dangerous pregnancies (1 born 8 weeks premature with a month growth retardation). As time passed my health has deteriorated. I suffered chronic severe migraines, fatigue & finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in the mid 2000s. Pt is the primary treatment at the time. Fast forward: stroke at 40, thyroid removed in 2014 due to precancerous nodules. Between 2021-2024 I’ve had 2 hysterectomy (one didn’t work) & a dbl mastectomy due to ductile sarcoma . Breast cancer is not fun. I have severe asthma that requires me to have a CPap with oxygen. In the past year they discovered I have CVID(immune system deficiency) & last week: hEhlor-Danlos syndrome.
None of this includes my need to wear braces on both feet because of foot drop and peripheral neuropathy. They did X-rays of my feet/ankles= both my feet have fractures.
Can I say “Damn It?!
I’m just turned 52. Can’t walk, do stairs or trust myself not to fall or crash into things. Always need canes, family has bought me a walker.
Won’t even talk about the PTSD from military service. I’m just confused still. I’m the one chasing the breadcrumbs to diagnose myself because no one in the area has heard of these things. Not looking for meds, just train & support me. I’ll try to keep it up on my own.
Anyone have any suggestions for managing any of my conditions.. or simply the stress?

@aprilarlady, I had RnY gastric bypass surgery 7/8/14, with a weight loss of 85 pounds currently. Because of this I too am unable to take NSAIDS. I started taking Hydrocodone/acetaminophen 5/325 mg over a year ago to relieve my pain from herniated disks at L5-S1 and L4, as well as a compression fracture at C7 and stenosis, degenerative disk disease, and arthritis. The Hydrocodone did not work for me. Last summer, I began seeing a pain doctor who took me off the Hydrocodone and put me on Tramadol/acetaminophen 30/325 (as I remember). That was working great, still with pain, but tolerable.

Then I injured my back additionally through traveling and lugging my suitcases back and forth weekly between my home and a job site. I had sudden acute pain that ended p with me in a wheelchair after several days of trying massage, chiropractic and acupuncture (my first time ever). I then had an MRI that showed the problems I described at the beginning of this post. My pain doctor added Baclofen 10 mg and changed my Tramadol to 50 mg without the acetaminophen. He said I could add acetaminophen for breakthrough pain as needed. This has been working great for me. I had outpatient spinal surgery on my L5-S1 on 12/22/16. I have had complete relief from the pain on my left side since then. But the pain on my right side continued. My pain doctor added Gabapentin to my medications. 300 mg twice a day.

My spine surgeon put me on Physical Therapy in late February, with both our goals to improve my core muscles and avoid surgery on my L4, which is completely out of alignment with my spine. The PT seemed to be working until my 4th session, after which I was in excruciating pain the following day and for several days after. Then suddenly it felt much better. I waited 2 weeks before I had another PT session and after that very gentle session, again I had excruciating pain and ended up in bed for 5 days only walking to the bathroom, icing and changing position about every 30 to 45 minutes. That was 2 weeks ago and I am still in pain. My pain doctor then tried Hydrocodone again when I requested it. But when I had used it previously, I took it with the Tramadol and I had good pain relief. He told me I should never take the 2 medications together. On only the Hydrocodone I had very little relief and after 3 days, I began noticing withdrawal symptoms from stopping the Tramadol suddenly. I stopped taking the Hydrocodone and went back to the Tramadol.

I am doing ok currently, but my pain level is a constant 7. I can't do much exercise like walking around more than half a block (yesterday), which was very hard to do. This morning I am very tired from my activities yesterday. I had bought tickets, 2 months ago, to take my granddaughter to see "An American in Paris," live at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. I was determined to go if at all possible. She drove and was helpful for me in walking. But I'm paying for my fun today. I'm also participating in a medical research study for Alzheimers at the University of California at Irvine. Today I am having a PET scan as part of the study. Thankfully, they are sending a cab to pick me up and bring me back. It will be another active day for me.

So, I can recommend Tramadol and Baclofen as having been very helpful for my pain. I would not take Gabapentin, and i have asked my doctor to withdraw me from it. I wish you luck in your search for pain relief. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Gail B