Question:
Can you swallow pills after surgery?

I am on medication for a neurological disorder. I have noticed that some people have mentioned not being able to take pills after surgery. I've checked and mine doesn't come in a liquid form. Why can't you swallow pills after surgery? Mine is in a capsule form will this help? Please help when I read this I became frightened because I have to take this medication, and nothing has been mentioned to me regarding this matter by my doctor.    — Amy J. (posted on October 8, 2003)

October 8, 2003
The answer to this depends on the medication,, so you should ask your bariatric surgeon about it directly, as well as the doctor who prescribed the medication. It might also be advisable to contact the drug manufacturer directly, as well, to find out whether the medical is time-released, particularly requires stomach acid to be absorbed, may irritate your pouch for some reason (if you're getting the RNY). Things like how thin the capsule is may also be a factor to consider, not just in terms of being able to swallow it and get it through the pouch and newly-healing little stoma, but also in terms of absorption. If you're having the RNY, you should also be taking vitamin supplements post-op, including iron and calcium citrate supplements (a multivitamin alone will not be enough). You'll need to know which medications and vitamins can't or shouldn't be taken with others, and figure out what your medication/vitamin schedule will be. Your pharmacist may also be helpful with that issue.
   — Suzy C.

October 8, 2003
Hi Amy- no, after surgery we are not allowed to swallow pills unless they are smaller than an m&m. I bought a pill crusher and while at first it seems weird, after a while you get used to it. I would ask your doctor for pills that come in liquid form or tablets. i tried pouring that yucky stuff that comes in capsules mixed with water but it tastes really bad. Hope this helps
   — Shannon S.

October 8, 2003
Because of severe arthritis and a bad strain, I had to take Celebrex for 8 days a week after my surgery - I had no problem taking the capsules. And about a month post-op I got a sinus infection and bronchitis and had no trouble taking the antibiotics. Since then I've been able to take any medication in capsule or pill form. I just had a total knee replacement (July 30) and have had no problems taking the pain medications in tablet form. My surgeon told me that it is an individual thing - some medications upset the tummy on some people and others can tolerate them. Of course, time-released meds don't get absorbed because they are out of the system before they all release. I suggest asking your surgeon about your medication. Normally, I would say as your pharmacist, but in this case, many of them are not WLS knowledgeable.
   — Patty_Butler

October 8, 2003
My doc allows pills in fact I went home from the hospital with pill form pain meds. I have been taking amy regular meds since day one. Ask your doc seems everyone to have a different take on the pill subject.
   — Lesley T.

October 8, 2003
Different surgeons...different opinions. I was started on tablets for pain the day after surgery, and instructed to resume all my previous medications in tablet or capsule form as soon as I got home from the hospital....no crushing or cutting of tablets, and no liquid medications. I experienced no problems at all. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

October 9, 2003
Hi, Amy: My doctor suggested taking my capsules with a warm drink, such as warm decaff tea or coffee or SF hot chocolate; this will help the coating on he capsule dissolve faster. I've been doing this since surgery and use this technique with my Macrobid (for a bladder infection) and also for my calcium citrate capsules from Vitalady. I've not had any problems with either one. I'm sure you'll be fine; typically the plastic coating on the capsules dissolves rather quickly. If worse comes to worse, you could open up the capsule and put the contents in a bite of yogurt, jello, pudding, etc.
   — Moysa B.