CML and Gleevec

I am considering gastric bypass surgery.  I have CML (leukemia) and am currently taking gleevec which has to be taken with food and water in order to tolerate this medication.   Is there anyone who has had the surgery while they were taking gleevec that would know if the limited amount of food the surgery allows will be enough to tolerate the gleevec?

I realize this is an old thread. I had bypass surgery in 2010 and was diagnosed with ph+CML and given gleevec to take. I am breastfeeding and told to quit..Also the side effects are scary with GI bleed, liver failure. .ect..and also read there is an absorbing isssue...ladies, did you have your surgery?  Did you apply for disability when you where told of this leukemia?    I really don't want to stop nursing my 6 month old..and I don't want to die because the doctor isn't acknowledged the bypass...

Nora - if you are on Facebook, there is a secret group called Friends by Choice, CML Sisters by Blood -- there are several women on there who have become pregnant and breastfed babies while still dealing with the CML.  I think a few have also had gastric bypass ...

If you are interested in the group, send me a message with your email address and I can add you.  It's hard being in the minority, isn't it? (rare blood cancer AND gastric bypass)

I had my RNY 5 years before I was diagnosed with Ph+ CML.  RNY July 7/09, CML diagnosis July 3/14.  I was first put on Gleevec, but my body couldn't tolerate it at all.  I'm now on Tasigna, but my absorption issues have made it so that even the maximum dosage (400mg twice a day) didn't work ... I got taken above the maximum dosage and am now on 900mg/day (3x150mg, twice a day) and my counts are FINALLY stabilizing.

While it is recommended to take Gleevec with food to minimize GI upset, it isn't necessary.  Even something like a protein shake can help cushion the nasty side effects of the Gleevec.

Alternatively, your oncologist may look at switching medications if there are issues.  Sprycel is another which has a good response and can be taken with or without food, but pleural effusion is a well-known and fairly common side effect.  Tasigna needs to be taken on an empty stomach ... the box insert says no food for two hours before or one hour after.  However, because food doesn't stay in our system as long, my oncologist cut the timing in half (no food an hour before or half an hour after).  If you have any issues with blood sugar control, Tasigna can be problematic.

I am scheduled for Gastric Bypass and also take Gleevec to control CML.  I am trying to find someone that has been succesful in this operation with the Gleevec.  Please anyone respond.