Pills

I just do a chewable calcium (they taste like sweet tarts) and chewable vitamins.

Can you cut them rather than crush them? I have a little pill cutter that I think only costs a couple of bucks from the pharmacy that allows me to cut larger pills in half so I can swallow them in pieces.

I was told that if the pill is no bigger than an aspirin, it is ok to swallow whole. So I've been swallowing my small ones whole and breaking in half or thirds my URSO (for gallstone prevention). As for my calcium, I use Viactiv calcium chews (chocolate) - 2 a day - and they are so good, it is like having a treat! Diane

I also take Viactiv Chocolate 2 times a day (it feels like a treat) haha! I am taking Biotin for women from GNC (prevents hair loss) Its large but I take it & am fine.

I was under the impression that I would always have to crush them to get the full dose? Since my intestines are shorter, there is less chance of a whole pill being completely broken down, which is why we're told to take chewable vitamins for life? That was the impression that I got from my doctor. Depends on your surgery, I guess?

I have been cutting my pills down since about 4 weeks out. I started by cutting them into 1/8's then I moved to 1/4's for 2 weeks and now this week I have cut the multi and calcium in 1/2 and started taking my fish oil pills again (not required by my surgeon) they are gelcaps so they slide right down. I think next week I will try taking them all whole.

Hi Andrea: Also 5 weeks out and I'm swallowing certain pills. I take Tylenol ... but the small round gel pills, NOT the caplets. Also swallowing the other pills and vitamins I have to take. Why don't you cut your calcium in half and try half at a time. Jean Lap RNY 5/24/05 255/232/150