Malabsorption of Medicine

I've been under treatment for HBP for about 7 years now. Over the past couple of weeks I've noticed some of the symptoms creeping back. I took my BP this morning at home and it validated what I thought. It was too damned high. Either my meds are no longer effective or they're not working because they're not being absorbed. I almost always take them on top of a meal so that they'll have a chance to stay in the stomach as long as possible. I'm gonna call my bariatric doc's office today and try and get some RNY specific advice on maybe changing medications and then go se my local doc next week and see what she can do about implementing whatever needs to be done to correct this situation.  I guess what I'm looking for is advice on what questions to ask and information on what's available for treating RNY'ers who suffer from HBP so that I can run those topics by the docs and see what they think. Are there alternative delivery methods for HBP meds?

Hey JFish, Because we are all different, yuo are doing what is best.  That being said,...here's my 2 cents. I found for me, taking my BP med just before bed gets me the best results.  I have divided my vitamins, supplments and BP med into a morning dose and an evening dose.  I take the energy provoking stuff in the morning first thing (B-12, B-Complex, B-1, Biotin, Potassium, Magnesium, Vit E, multivitamin w/iron 2x, Vit C 2x, Amino Body 3000 2x) and the heart and relaxing stuff that slows me down at night just before bed (Flaxseed Oil 2x, Calcium Citrate 2x, Vit D 3x, Vit A, Aspirin, BP (Diovan 160), Garlic). Use what you can, disregard the rest, your mileage may vary.  May the FARTS be with you.

I agree with Joe about taking the meds at bedtime, Fish. This is what my cardiologist told me to do. However, you definitely should talk to your Doc about it and follow his advice. We are all different and he may want you to do otherwise.

Thanks Joe. That's the kinda advice I'm looking for.  Cardiologist eh Bob? I'm trying to stay away from that guy if I can. I've seen one from time to time due to possible HBP damage to the vascular system. He seems like a first cousin of the grim reaper to me. Plus, the first words out of his mouth are usually to tell me to lose weight. But, I very well may have to go back to seeing him if this remains an issue. It's his specialty.  Thanks men for your help. Keep it coming.

I hear ya Fish. The first cardiologist I had was a real ***** All he was interested in was rushing his patients in and out, collecting the insurance money, playing golf and paying off of his ex-wives attorneys. He would never spend more than 10 minutes tops talking to me, after I had waited 1 1/2 hours on average to see his azz.  The cardio doc I have now is great. He spends whatever time he needs to explain and answer questions, and talks to me as an equal and like he actually gives a shnit about me.  Makes a huge difference, at least to me. Take care of yourself buddy!

When you get your weight down some more the BP problems may just go away. Mine did and I was on BP meds for probably 35 years. In the meantime they may give you smaller doses but more often. Are you exercising? Regular aerobic workouts work magic on these conditions.  Not to worry, there are many rabbits that can pulled from hats over this. Your Dr's. will figure something out.

I was walking regularly and logging a lot of miles until about 2 wks ago. I finished up a quick 1.75 on April 3 and my knee was stiff when I got through. I've got a ligament that is getting hung on something in there and popping and staying inflamed. I've laid off a couple of weeks to see if rest would cure it, but it looks like I'm gonna have to go to an orthopedic. Last time this happened, which was back in '05 the orthopedic put me on an anti-inflamatory and the stiffness and soreness went away in a matter of days, but I don't know if that's an option now. I'm reading where NSAIDS are usually a no-no for WLS patients. I need to get that knee well and get back on the walking routine. I'm also hoping that as my weight slips under 300 that my BP issues will dissapear. But neither my gramps nor my dad were ever obese and they fought HBP from the age I am now until the end. So that train may have already left the station.

I have been asking the same question for years!!  I even have the question up on my profile...I have asked my surgeon, other doctors, PA's, Nut.  No one will give me an answer.  I believe they just aren't trained to know which meds are absorbed in the stomach.  We know the biggies of vitamins like calicium, iron, B-1, and B-12 have problems.  The question is what about meds.  Don't have the answer...just the question.  Brian

Regarding which meds are absorbed in the stomach - I'd suggest talking to the pharmacist or going to the drug manufacturer's web site and asking them. CB

Good call, Charlie. I'll visit my pharmacist this afternoon after work and see what he knows about what I'm taking. Thanks.