Lap Band and Pills

I just ran into a situation I thought other bandsters might want to know about. Due to a sinus infection, my family doctor prescribed 1000 Mg Augmentin (sp?) XR.  These are large pills and even though I was able to break them in half, I could not crush them... and let me tell you, it took about 45 UNCONFORTABLE minutes for them to pass through the band. Found out they make a liquid, so I had the doctor to write me a script for the liquid.  It was not the best tasting thing I have had but it went down much easier.

**** dwayne... no lap here, but RNY, I had to take one of those big Azz pills, and I could feel it hanging on every staple they putin me...chunck chunk chunk feel better Russ

A couple of thoughts.... I still take about 4 meds every day, and have to crush some of them.  I was able to purchase a mortar and pestle at Cost Plus (aka World Market) for about $5 - chefs use these to get the oil out of herbs to make the flavor stronger. I have my doc give me a shot of rocefin and another of dexamethasone whenever I get a severe sinus infection.  The rocefin does burn like crazy, but once I've taken it, I get about 8 hours of the sweats as the bacteria get crushed.  I can then take smaller doses of antibiotics which I have crushed.   My son (4) has a heck of a time with Augmentin - and gets it in liquid form frequently for his sinus infections.  We give him his meds after meals, and mix them with Chocolate milk to make them go down better. Hope this helps.   Best regards, Brian

Hi Dawyne - Bandster here and can relate. Mine was a sinus infection as well. I asked upfront for the liquid and was surprised how much it costs. Apparently, the pills come in generic and are cheap, but the liquid did not (or they didn't have it in stock) and costs me almost $100. Talk about sticker shock! :)

Guys, obviously liquid is the best but yes, expensive.  On the pill crushers, see if you can get the Wal-Mart brand.  They are usually out at my store but they are by far the best.  Designed like grater with a serated edge.  It turns and crushes just about every pill I've ever tried as a lap RNYer.  Costs about $4.