Question:
DOES METHADONE ABSORB DIFFERENTLY NOW THAT I HAVE THE BARIATRIC SURGERY?

I HAD THE SURGERY IN MAY OF 2001, IT SAVED MY LIFE AND IM GLAD I HAD IT. IVE LOST 150LBS AND HAVE FELT WONDERFUL UP UNTIL ABOUT A YEAR AGO , I STARTED ABUSING PAIN MEDICATION, IM TRYING TO KICK THE HABBIT AND IM GOING THROUGH A METHADONE CLINIC, PLEASE DONT JUDGE I VE HEARD ALOT OF BAD THINGS ABOUT THE CLINICS, BUT IM DETERMINED TO QUIT, IM CONCERNED THAT METHADONE MIGHT NOT WORK AS WELL FOR ME OR THE DOSE WILL BE TO MUCH AT ONE TIME BECAUSE OF THE WAY WE ABSORB DIFFERENTLY NOW. THE DOCTOR DOESNT HAVE MUCH KNOWLEDGE ON THE ISSUE OF MY SURGERY AND IS GOING TO RESEARCH IT. I WAS HOPING SOMEONE COULD HELP ME, BY TELLING ME IF THERE IS ANY PROBLEMS I SHOULD LOOK FOR IN METHADONE AND THE DOSAGE FOR ME NOW, COMPARED TO SOMEONE WITHOUT BARIATRIC SURGERY OR IS THERE NO DIFFERENCE IN ABSORPTION. THANKS, AND PLEASE DONT JUDGE. ANGIE    — ANGIE M. (posted on January 27, 2004)

January 27, 2004
I am not an expert but as I understand it, we do not absorb the entire dose of medicines that are in a pill form. I have been dealing with neuropathy since my surgery and have been taking vicodin. When I was just out of my wls, and could not take pills, the Dr. prescribed a liquid version. After about 3 mos, he switched it to pill. Since they were large, I cut them in 1/2 but noticed I had to double, and sometimes, more than double the dose. I was told this is due to malabsorption. I have switched to crushing the pills and putting in applesauce and was able to get back to a normal or 1/2 dose. Like I said, I am not an expert and this is just my own experience with pain medicines. I am sure longer post-ops will provide good data. Good luck to you with your addiction. (hugs)
   — Donya P.

January 27, 2004
i don't have an answer i just wanted to say i am proud of you for taking the first step to recovery and you are in my prayers.
   — melindainfla

January 27, 2004
I am an RN and worked several methadone clinics in Oregon. No it should not be any different as methadone is not a sustained release medication.
   — Connie M.

January 28, 2004
Angie, My thoughts are with you as you begin this new journey to helping yourself. I wish you all the success in the world getting through this!!!
   — Jessica Wyatt Robinson

January 28, 2004
Angie I've worked in medical research for many years and I believe the previous answer from the RN is correct as she said methadone is not a sustained release medication - also if I recall this is usually given in liquid form. Of course, the best answer should come from a licensed doctor who has experience in this area. I also admire your courage to take control of your life - and try not to worry about people judging you sometimes people do this because it covers our own baggage.
   — Anna M.

January 29, 2004
Hi Angie, I don't know anything about this subject but I did want to say good luck and you are in my prayers! Anyone on this site has been judged before themselves and shouldn't be judging you!
   — Carrie-Ann B.