Why no Extended Release meds?

I remember when I was researching the surgery and after I was told we could not take these type of meds because they do not absorb properly. My doc (not surgeon) wanted to prescribe something for me today that is extended release, and I told her I wasn't supposed to take them. She ended up looking up the info on the net, and basically, to her, it said we do not absorb correctly and a lot of meds can build up in our system. She said it would work if she gave me just a low dose of the meds. So I have them. But, I am wondering if they are a bad idea. Any insight? Thanks! Erica

I know that part of it was because early post-op we have to crush or cut pills in order to get them in and that might lead to absorption of too much of the medication at one time. But further post-op when swallowing pills isn't as big a deal (obviously depending on the size - this coming of course from a gal who was had chest pains for a month and was hospitalized all due to irritation caused by swallowing some vitamins whole), I'm not sure. Kathy

"Sustained release medications may be less reliably absorbed following Gastric Bypass, due to decrease in transit time. Standard release versions of needed medications are preferred." Kathy

Thanks Kathy. I guess I will try them and see if they help. If not I know they are not absorbing correctly. I appreciate the help!

Tablets and capsules that are extended time release are coated with a substance that gastric or intestinal juices digest at specific intervals. Anytime you cut or crush these pills you interupt that process and you are essentially taking 2 or 3 doses of medication at one time. This can lead to an unintentional overdose. This is one of the things that I learned in my Pharmacology class last semester. XOXOXO, Sharyn

Hi Sharyn, So if you dont cut them up are the okay to take? I take wellbutrin SR, my pyschiatrist said it is okay, but I am not sure he really understands wls. Thanks

I think it would depend on how far out you are post-op. I would always check with my surgeon first. XOXOXO, Sharyn