the Duragesic patche's active ingredient is fentanyl. Fentanyl is one of the strongest, if not the strongest pain reliever out there. It sounds like this doctor knows his stuff, and gives his patientwhat's actually needed to heal comfortably as possible after a big procedure. Don't you wish all doctor's had this philosophy? It's hilarious that the pain specialists couldn't figure out what a gastric bypass surgeon could in order to properly medicate his patient! You can get the insurance to pay for the medicines you need/want if the doctor fill's out a Prior Authorization form requesting the medicines that aren't covered by your insurance. The doctor has to state why you need that particular medication, blah, blah, blah. I'm sure your doctor knows how to fill out the forms so you get what you really want and need. I wish you all the best.
Sean