Question:
Do I have to crush 4 weeks post-op (VBG)????

I really have a need to take some Sennacot and I am still crushing meds. I have crushed the Senna before and it tastes TERRIBLE!. Would I be doing any harm to myself if I swallow a few of the small Senna??? It seems to go down just fine...it didn't get stuck. Thoughts??? Thanks guys!!    — MariaRN (posted on September 13, 2007)

September 13, 2007
My doctor told me I can swallow pills as long as they are no larger then an M&M. Hope that helps.
   — pooch

September 13, 2007
The day after my lap RNY when the took the IV out I was switched to pills- shouldn't be a problem- however if you are concerned you could try either liquid or chewable MOM. Donna
   — dabby

September 13, 2007
Use Benefiber regularly and you won't have to use those pills. Use the powder; it dissolves in water or any other liquid and you cannot taste it.
   — Elaine L.

September 13, 2007
I am almost 6 weeks out and have been taking all sorts of vitamins and medications in pill format. Even large capsules. I have no problems. I do have some chewables, liquids and some sublinguals, too, though. If you are terribly constipated, why not try some Ducolax suppositories. I use them occasionally and they are effective. I empathize with you if you are stopped up. It's a painful situation. I was in agony til I tried the suppositories (available at any pharmacy). Hope this helps. -@li
   — cherub13

September 13, 2007
I also have been swallowing pills since the day my IV was removed with no problems. Also milk of mag (half a dose ) is a good laxative with no cramps. Then start taking fiber every day. Christine
   — Christine M.

September 13, 2007
I was given whole pills (not crushed) to take in the hospital and had no problems. I am 1 week post-op now and still taking whole pills at home so I think you would be ok....just remember to take with a small sip of water...too much water. at once..ouch!
   — muffin1837

September 14, 2007
I started swallowing pills around 4 months. Just don't swallow horse pills - nothing bigger then an M&M I was told. Good luck.
   — jammerz

September 14, 2007
They do make a liquid Senna product - but it tastes nasty. So you might as well stay with the pills. I agree with the previous posters. MOM is OK too, but Senna is a laxative stimulant (that's what Bisacodyl i - but the suppositories can be hard to insert for some of us big people - they do make an oral Bisacodyl though). If the constipation becomes a chronic problem, speak with your doctor. You don't want a bowel obstruction. Good luck.
   — NMlakerFan

September 17, 2007
I have not yet had WLS so I can't respond on the swallowing pill issue. But I did want to tell you that there are several different teas that contain Senna and taste just fine. I can only remember two names... one is "Smooth Move" tea and another is "Dieter's Tea". Smooth Move and other laxative teas can usually be found in the "natural" section at the grocery store or in a health food store. Dieter's Tea is sold as a weight loss product but contains senna and will definitely make you go. BeneFiber is a great fiber supplement, I encourage you to try it, however, at least for me, it works great as a preventative and does nothing once I am constipated. You might also want to check out "MiraLax" -- no flavor, you mix it into a drink, can't even tell it is there. It is not absorbed and basically "washes" out your colon. It takes me 3 or 4 days of taking it twice a day to make it work (works great for prevention), but it does not cause cramping or other side effects normally attributed to laxatives. Unlike Senna, Miralax can be taken long term without doing any damage to the colon.
   — mrsidknee

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