Question:
I know we can't swallow whole pills...

But what about capsules? Can we swallow capsules? I took a great prenatal vitamin when I was prego, and it was powder inside of the capsule. Do we have enough stomach to digest that?    — Michelle J. (posted on October 3, 2003)

October 3, 2003
According to my doc, no you cannot take capsules. Anything that is a time release can never be taken. He gave me a whole list of meds that I am never to take. Also a rule for how big of a med that I can take w/o having to break it up is nothing bigger than a plain size M&M.
   — Jennifer M.

October 3, 2003
I take chewable vitamins, calcium pills which are in a caplet shape, and a small non WLS related pill. I have been taking the calcium this way since several weeks out. I also take the B12 sublingual and was taking the Axid and actigall in the beginning. The last 2 were capsules. I would be careful about splitting pills if you are thinking about that. I found that the rough edges of the split pills got caught in my throat. The full pills were actually easier to swallow. Good luck!!
   — Fixnmyself

October 3, 2003
First find out if the capsule is a time released item. If yes, you cannot open it as it needs to stay in the capsule form. I am pre-op BUT called Andrew Lessman's company about his vitamins that I take. They told me that I could open the capsules and dissolve the contents in water. Then I asked if I could put them in a blender (capsule and contents) and blend them into a protein shake thus making it easier than taking them apart. They checked and called me back ... said it was a great idea and would not change how the vitamins reacted in my body. So that is what I plan to do after surgery so I can stay with these vitamins. My surgeon and nutritionist both told me tho after surgery I should be able to take pills without much problem.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 3, 2003
I take some *very* large capsules, and a large tablet (Hair, Skin & Nails). No problems. </p> And I know they get digested, because one nite I took pills too fast, threw 'em up, and some of 'em had already melted open 10 minutes later (I mean they were in me for 10 min). Also, I take niacin caps, and I flush, so they are open and getting absorbed. </P> I'm 6 mos. out, and this morning I took 2 large caps at the same time. I just had to relearn to swallow pills.</p> Good luck!
   — RWH G.

October 3, 2003
Yes, caps are fine If you're insecure, melt an intact one in hour mouth. You'lll feel it often start to break up. You can swallow then or wait tilthe powder breaks thru. After a few days or so, you may be able to swallo perfectly normally, but take one pill at a time
   — vitalady

October 3, 2003
Every surgeon has slightly different instructions for their patients. Our surgeon is one of the founders of current lap WLS techniques and has performed over 1500 cases. All of his patients are placed on tablets for pain management the day after surgery and are instructed to continue their regular medications as usual after discharge....no special liquid medications and no cutting or crushing of medications. There are five of us who have had the surgery and two of us are 3 1/2 years post-op. We have had no problems taking tablets or capsules. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

October 6, 2003
I think once you are 1 mo post op you can take whole pills. I do all the time. Good luck.
   — mrsmyranow