Question:
My required meds do not come in liquid

I take 4 large pills every am & pm. I have to take them 1st thing in am.. pm I can stretch it. I do not need to take them with food. But will there be enough room in my tummy for breakfast & meds? i wonder if I can crush them and mix with peanut butter? This is part of my decision if I should hav sugery. These meds are for siezures & will have to take the rest of my life. #2.. what if you get ulcers later in life.. they can't be operated on!    — Donna T. (posted on November 23, 2002)

November 23, 2002
Donna: This really sounds like a question that needs answered directly from a surgeon or PCP. This medication is vital to your health, and you need to make sure you can take it. Have you talked to your PCP? Is he/she aware and informed on WLS? I know you are looking for an answer here on the board, but this is such an individual case. I would make sure you run it by your PCP and surgeon. Best of luck to you and God Bless! Renee D
   — Renee D.

November 23, 2002
Are you willing to sacrifice one? Using a very small glass, make up some "spit water". Rins eyour mouth out a few times and spit it back in the glass. Drop a pill in and time it. It's not 100% accurate, but you'll get an idea. Water alone is less accurate. We have so little stomach acid as to be none, but we are still full of spit post-op. Try it & see, then armed with your timed test, ask the docs how they want you to handle it. Every pill I take dissolve in my pouch in less than 5 min., so there is no overcrowding going on.
   — vitalady

November 24, 2002
I take large pills in the am and pm also. When I first get up I take the pills first thing. Then I do my other morning routine things which takes 30 to 45 minutes. By this time the pills have had time to disolve and I am ready to eat. I have never had a problem taking the proper amount of food as long as I follow this time table. AS for the ulcer, I developed one three months post-op and take medication. This will take about 3 to 4 months to heal and then will be able to stop. If you don't ignore the signs of an ulcer you will probably be able to catch it before it becomes necessary to treat with surgery. I was having some discomfort along with nausia and vomiting. The doctor ordered an endoscopy which revealed the ulcer. They caught it early enough to be treated with medicaiton. Also, the person who suggested that you speak with your doctor is right. It is always best to go to the experts. They can put your mind at ease. Good luck on your decision and future. I had surgery on May 17, 2002 and as of November 20 have lost 125 lbs. It is the best decision I have ever made; I wish I had made it many years ago.
   — Marianne D.