Question:
about 6 weeks post op lab band (2 1/2 weeks after 1st fill) and i have headaches from

my sinuses...i have been (for the past 2 days) taking tylenol pills but breaking them in half into small peices and i have had no problem, is this ok...the liquid wasnt doing much for my headaches...    — jordanty (posted on July 31, 2008)

July 30, 2008
Congratulations on having the surgery. One of my concerns was being able to take over-the-counter meds because I also get sinus headaches. Since we don't experience malabsorption, we are able to take OTC meds without any bad effects, only thing we have to be careful of is not getting the pills lodged. Good luck!
   — Monte57

July 31, 2008
Shannon, I'm on medication and am required to take OTC Aleve and I found liquid gel caps are easy to swallow and are absorbed easily. Best of luck and keep loosing! Mary-Anne
   — mannecote

July 31, 2008
I've been told by my Dr that OTC drugs are fine as long as you don't take them for long periods.....Tylnol is reccommened more tha ibuprophen......as ibuprophen can be a erratant to the band if taken alot.....Hope you are doing well since surgery.....if your Dr ever puts you on allergy med's....it will usually say take in the morning.....but if you have sinus drainage it's better to take them at night.....that way you don't have a lot of mucus in the morning......which can also affect you being able to eat with out Pbing. There is another site that you might want to check out.....you go to Yahoo Groups and then type in BandBuddies......it deals mainly with Lap band patients and has great information with newly banded as well as seasoned bandsters. Pam / Ft Worth......Bandster Bites [email protected]
   — pphillips4720aol.com

July 31, 2008
another great site for Lap Banders is LapBandTalk.com Full of very helpful info on EVERYTHING.
   — chell1957

August 1, 2008
no this is not ok -- never cut or crush medication -- it could cause an overdose or not give you the right amout of medication -- always ask your Dr or Pharmacist -- good luck
   — RCassety

August 1, 2008
I had lap-band April 2007. Each medicine is different regarding the ability/safety to crush or not, check with a pharmacist. As far as related to your band, I take several smaller pills (crestor etc) with no problems whole. I do have to break up my potassium & vitamin. Donna
   — Donna O.

August 1, 2008
This is a little off the WLS subject...I would suggest that you see your dr if the headaches continue. You could have a sinus infection and you may need anti-biotics. Just a suggestion. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.
   — cyntracer

August 1, 2008
May I suggest and alternative to medications? Go to the drug or health food store and get yourself a neti pot. Maybe you've seen this demonstrated on "Oprah." If not, you can also go to YouTube.com or Google "neti pot." I've had terrible sinus problems for years. Tried all different kind of medications. I finally had to stop using prescription drugs which actually can CAUSE sinus infections. I stopped using Sudafed because of my blood pressure. On the advice of a friend and fellow sufferer, I got a neti pot and I've only had 2 sinus infections in the past 5 years--because I got lax about using it on a regular basis.
   — Tina G.