Question:
Do capsules have to be opened postop?
Is it true that medications in capsules have to be broken apart and the powder inside taken with food, etc. postop? — DebT (posted on August 28, 2003)
August 28, 2003
I do not have any problem taking capsules, I am 9 wks post op today and
take Biotin capsules from GNC. At first, I did open them up, but the
powder would not mix in my protein and I ended up inhaling the stuff and
just about choked to death..sooooo, what I do now, is put the capsule in my
mouth with a little warm water and when I feel it starting to disolve, I
swallow the capsule...I have not had a bit of trouble doing it that way!
Good Luck!
— Beth K.
August 28, 2003
I had to have Celebrex for 8 days (prescribed by my WLS surgeon) when I was
about a week post-op and I took them with no problem.
— Patty_Butler
August 28, 2003
I started taking capsules at 6 weeks post-op, when my surgeon prescribed
Actigall...no problems whatsoever, and I've never had to open them up.
— Amy A.
August 28, 2003
there are some types of capsules that must never be opened, never open caps
or crush pills to add to your food with out discussing it with a pharmacist
or doctor
— **willow**
August 28, 2003
I was given capsules and pills while still in the hospital. Do what is
comfortable for you, but check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you
have questions.
— Rachel T.
August 28, 2003
I was told capsules should be broken up and put into a liquid and pills had
to be crushed.
— Margaret G.
August 28, 2003
I had lap band surgery (Dr. Spivak) on 8/6/03 and was told that I had to
crush pills or break apart capsules FOREVER -and guess what - I'm going to
do it. At first I thought it was going to be a hassle, but once you get
used to it, it reallly isn't. I bought a pill crusher from WalMart and put
the crushed pill(s) in with a small amount of applesauce on a spoon and eat
it. Not a big deal. Hey, my theory is this: if the doctor said to do it,
I'm all for it - I'm not going to risk complications for something so easy
to do. You can do it.
— Carolyn H.
August 28, 2003
It seems as though every doc has a different idea of what "to do"
or "not to do". I was told not to take capsules because our tiny
pouches do not produce the amount of stomach acid needed to break down the
capsule properly. As far as the contents, I was told that anything time
released was also not allowed (which I believe to be true). But it seems
as though the rules are different according to what doc you have. I was
told not to have carbonated beverages either but I know some post-ops who's
doc didn't have a problem with them. So I think that you will run into
different opinions on just about every rule there is. I myself have a more
"majority rules" sort of attitude. I sometimes think that's the
safest way to go. For example, although I love my doc to pieces, he told me
it was okay to have aspirin and ibuprofen. But all that I have read on the
subject says otherwise. So I went against my doc's advise and I still
avoid either drug. I figure it's better to be safe than pay down the road
for something I could have prevented by one simply avoidance. But the
choice is ultimately yours. I hope that helps. Good luck! :)
— Laurel C.
August 28, 2003
The only thing I ever crushed were my pain meds the first few days because
they were so large...now I swallow everything. It's to your own tolerance,
and per doc's orders...as one person posted, some meds should NOT be
crushed or opened ever. If you're concerned, ask if there are liquid
alternatives to the meds you take.
— Kelly B.
August 28, 2003
Capsules were the only pills I could get down as a new post op. But I think
many may be time release. We won't absorb them if they are.
— Danmark
August 29, 2003
I am now 6 1/2 months post op, and have always been able to swallow my
pills. Some were capsules and othe capsule shaped tablets. Be careful if
you split your pills. Sometimes the rough edges are hard to swallow.
— Fixnmyself
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