Question:
does medication get absorbed in the same way as it would preop

i have got bad sciatica and have been given alot of strong painkillers which are not doing much to help the pain. the gp has suggested that maybe i am not absorbing the pills as i have had a by pass. has anyone any idea if this is so.    — JULIE B. (posted on July 13, 2003)

July 13, 2003
Yes, it's very possible. Especially timed release type meds. What "time" do they release in our altered gut? We also do not get a predictable result with any supplements or meds rendered in an oil based form, such as vit E.
   — vitalady

July 13, 2003
Very early out like you are, I found that I 'absorbed' liquid painkillers much better than in pill form. You could ask for liquid loritab or hydrocodone liquid. Good luck in being pain free!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 13, 2003
Yes... medication does not get absorbed in the same way as preop... it is about 50% effective... on average. My doctor/nutritionist, etc. always gives me double the dose they would a non-wls patient. Of course, I am monitered twice as frequently and more throughly as a non-wls patient so there isn't an inadvertant overdose, too. Plus, take into consideration, you've been on a lot of pain killers due to the surgery and we just seem to desentisize (sp?). You might up the dose a fourth at a time and see when it actually does help. That will help you figure otu what your actual absorption rate for medication is...e veryone is different... I have to take 75% more than average to get the average effect on any med I take. We discovered that by increasing meds on a 10% basis. If this isn't clear, email me and I'll try to explain better! :~) Hugs!
   — Sharon M. B.

July 13, 2003
B12 reacts with something in your old stomache, so this is why if you need to take b12, that you use the kind that is absorbed under the tounge. Of course you could always get the b12 shot instead.
   — Zipper R.

July 13, 2003
If the pill form of the medication you are taking is crushable, I suggest you crush it to aid in easier absorption. Mix it in applesauce or yogurt to help disguise the taste. Liquid form is best, but not all meds come in liquids. Ask your doc if the medication is crushable or for liquid. Hope you're feeling better soon -been there done that. :)
   — adeas