I DID A REALLY STUPID THING!!! (RANTING)

I got so frustrated with trying to take all 15 of my medications that I just stopped taking most of them!!!! Some can't be crushed and don't come in liquid form or if they can be crushed, they taste like poison no matter what I do to try and mask the taste. I also gag and almost or feel like the crumbled or crushed meds get stuck in my throat. And no, sipping fluids before during or after the fact does not help! Air always seems to get trapped! I'm very frustrated by all of this and have run out of ideas as to what to do now! I never, ever thought that this would be a problem post-op cause I just knew I would be one of those lucky people who would not have to continue taking so many meds right after wls. lol! I also fear that most, if not all of my meds, are not being absorbed properly since my digestive tract is now so different! Please don't get me wrong! I still would have had wls even if I knew this would be a problem. I just would have looked for a solution beforehand. I did see my PCP last week about this medication problem and he found out that my HMO does not carry the liquid form of some of my meds and I can't afford to buy the liquid form from an outside pharmacy. So, if anyone has any kind words of advice, I would greatly appreciate it! Be well, Cheryl G.

I don't crush any of my meds. Can you cut them in 1/2 or 1/4? You stated: "And no, sipping fluids before during or after the fact". I've been taking all my meds with a small sip of water. Even in the hospital they gave me water to get my meds down. Can your PCP prescribe a different brand of meds that are smaller or able to be cut in half? Good luck to you! Nancy 209/196/109

My wife has to take a lot of meds, all at once. She found taking them while eating either yogurt or pudding makes them go down with no problem. (And, of course, when you make the pudding, add some unflavored protein powder to the mix and kill two birds with one pudding!!)

Thanks Nancy and Gregg! I will try yall's suggestions. Cheryl G.

Cheryl, I can so identify. I only have one medicine I cant get down..it is in a capsule and tastes awful when I pour it out!! If you have pills not capsules, you can cut them to a very small size and take them with a protein drink. Good luck Julia

Cheryl, Can you buy chewables of some meds (e.g. vitamins or calcium)? RE: crushing meds. The only time I did this was the first 4 days I was home when I took the Vicodin. You're right the taste is gross. My dr. had a suggestion b/c applesauce & the like didn't kill the taste. He had me cru**** & put it in yogurt. It's thick enough to hide some of the taste (I couldn't eat that much then so maybe you can use more & really hide the taste) but when I was thru I'd take a little more yogurt w/o the pill to get rid of any aftertaste. Please consider it as you know how impt. it is to take the pills. Best of luck, A _____________________________ April 11, 2005/Duodenal Switch Dr. Alfons Pomp New York City, New York

Cheryl, I also had problems taking my pills. I noticed if I took them with a warm cup of decaf tea, they seem to disolve faster and pass easier. Good luck! D D