Medications

I am on quite a few medications for my heart ( Diovan, Lasix, Spirolactone, potasium) and a few others for various conditions. How does the pouch affect the medications. Do you have to crush the pills? I am concerned that the diuretics might cause me to become dehydrated post op.. I guess these are Questions I need to put on the list to ask Dr Mikami, but I kind of wanted to get some feedback from any one who has multiple meds they are on. Thank you all, Laura

Loraine, I was on a lot of meds before surgery for several different things and am now on very few. Your doctor will tell you what to take when you get home based on what your blood pressure etc is in the hospital. After you start losing weight, your meds will most likely be reduced further. I am on 1/4 dose of BP med now and only still take my thyroid med and one other. They will most likely tell you not to take the diuretic for the very reason you mentioned-dehydration. Relax about the meds, they will let you know what you need. As far as taking what you need, it depends on the size of the pill. You may have to crush them or empty capsules if it is a med that you need, but if it can be broken into smaller pieces, that is also acceptable, at least it was for me. I'm almost 8 weeks out and am happy that I am not on as many meds as before surgery. Good luck and feel free to email me if you have any other questions. Chris

Hi Loraine, Definately discuss these with your surgeon and your cardiologist or whoever has put you on them. Some meds patients will come off of because the condition is weight related...some you may not because they are conditions not caused by weight. If I am not mistaken, potassium can not be crushed. But, don't worry, they should work with you on that. But, definately consult with the surgeon, Dr. Mikami is great. You will really like him. Good luck, Valerie

You need to check first if the medications can be crushed. Some don't work the same if they are crushed or taken whole. Also, you might want to look into liquid form. That's what I had to do.