Taking Meds

Hi, I am waiting on insurance approval before my surgery. I am planning on having lap band and just wondering about taking my meds. How long do you have to crush them and any tips on getting them down without them being so nasty after crushing? Thanks!!

Hi, it depends on your Dr. and the type of medications you are on.  My surgeon tried to have mine crushed while in the hospital, but I couldn't get them down that way.  I was able to take my meds whole, seeing as one is my chemo pill.  A lot of medications can't be crushed even though they are like a powder type of pill as it's strength somehow isn't strong enough when crushed.  Check with you PCP regarding which ones can be crushed and which ones have to be taken whole.  Each surgeon is different on that subject.  It's best to ask your PCP and the surgeon on whether you can take them whole or they can be crushed.  I did find out that if I take them with juice or water, they aren't staying down, I have to drink a little bit of milk before taking them with milk.  One other person on this board had to do the same thing but we had the gastric bypass.   May God travel with you on your new journey to a healthier you. Kathy

I'm also waiting on ins approval and waiting and waiting! I was beginning to think everyone on this board had the RNY.  I'm glad to see another bandster!

Hi Again! I go on Jan 4th for my last appointments and then they can turn everything in to my insurance! I am so ready!!! Good luck to you!!

Hello, I wish you a speedy approval, mine went real quick, once I got them everything they wanted. Glad to see another bander on board, you will love it here. I started out crushing my meds to jsut about powder, I couldn't stand it, so I started breaking mine in half and taking them real slow. That work's for me, as far as capsule, well I have toopen them up and take what I call the little bb's. Since my last adj. on 11/28 I have been able to swallow everything whole with the exception on my vitamin I still have to split it into fourths to get it down. I am not sure how long we will have to do this, I am thinking it will be from now on. I hope this helps and I wish you the best on your journey, keep posting and letting us know how you are doing. Cheryl

Thanks for the great advice! I am hoping my approval will be quick as well when everything is turned in! I am ready and excited!!! Thanks and take care!

I have never crushed any of my meds. When they took me off the pain pump in the hospital, the first time they brought pain medication it was a pill. I figured if I could swallow a pill in the hospital, I could swallow them at home. I do think what makes it hard for some people in the beginning is the small sips of water we need to take. I did use chewable multi-vitamins and calcium in the beginning and any med that was larger than am M&M I would break into smaller pieces. As I got farther out and could handle larger swallows of water, I can now take my medications as I always have. Some people will tell you that we don't absorb them properly unless they are crushed. Hogwash! I have one medication that if I wasn't absorbing it, I would know very quickly. Not only have I not had any problems, I have actually been able to reduce my dosage of this medication. My last labs were done at 18 months and everything was perfect, except for vitamin D but that has been an issue for me since before surgery. My PCP and I also discovered that the calcium I was taking didn't have D in it. I have changed my calcium to make sure it has vitamin D and I expect my 2 year labs to be absolutely normal. I'll let everyone know in February after my 2 year check up.

Thank you for the great advice! I am just ready to get this show on the road, I have been waiting since October to get everything done to turn into my insurance. I go for my last appointment on Jan. 4th and then everyhthing will be turned in. Thanks agian