 [ Symptoms ] severe spinal pain 2 years postop it was a football injury that resulted in a spinal hematoma around l4 it was removed and part of my vertebra now 2 years postop i am having sudden muscle spasms and severe pain in my thoracic region severe headaches and swelling at my incision sight my ns is not too concerned bc i can still walk and scheduled me an appointmemnt in a month but i don know if i can take the pain that long [ Disease ] there has been much discussion about the low absorption of medications after gastric bypass surgery in your case the absorption should not be affected however we are more concerned about side effects from medications that can hurt your system after this serious procedure pain medications have been used after gastric bypass surgery although sparingly it is important to remember that vicodin hydrocodone and acetaminophen can cause constipation we do not want to further increase your risk of discomfort so minimal use of pain medication with or without a stool softener is advised the important key is to weigh the risks and benefits we do not want you to be in pain but we also do not want to over medicate or cause too many side effects with proper rest and healing time pain medications may not have to be used at all follow the advice and instructions you received from your surgeon