Short-Lasting Pain Medication After Gastric Bypass: Understanding Absorption

Question
I had a gastric bypass done in 2008, and have noticed that with my pain medications for chronic back pain only seems to last about 2 hours. I am on oxycodone 15mg. I really don't want to complain to my pain management doctor, but if I take them when I start to hurt each time I wouldn't have enough to last. I can't find anything at all about absorption and pain meds. But I know I am malnutrition and have trouble gain weight and keeping it on.

Answer
Dee,
Pain meds are absorbed in an essentially normal way after gastric bypass. The problem from which you are suffering is much more likely to be related to the back pain and the long term use of strong pain meds.  It is completely appropriate to discuss this with your pain doctor.

Best of luck,
Dr JP