Question:
Just had my 3 month post op check up and confused about going off meds.

Actually, I am 4 months post op, but because of scheduling, I couldn't get in to see my surgeon any sooner. I took some lab work with me that my PCP did in late January, plus my surgeon ordered a bit more having to do with b-levels and iron levels. BUT, my surgeon told me he could see no reason why I couldn't go off my blood pressure and cholesterol meds NOW; said my blood pressure was perfect and my cholesterol was at normal range. So I went off. But yesterday at work (stressful job working w/public) I could feel the pressure building in my head, so I took half of my b.p. med and it helped. How do I gradually get off these meds? I haven't taken the choles. med since he gave me permission to go off, but I REALLY want to taper off the b.p. med too, but not at the risk of having a stroke. One thing my PCP said that really stuck w/me is "That's why it's called the silent killer." My PCP wouldn't take me off the b.p./chol. meds, said he would leave it up to my surgeon. I am confused as to how to get off this stuff. Is it something that I will just "know" when it's time? P/S Down 61 lbs, 87 lbs. left to goal.    — blank first name B. (posted on March 10, 2002)

March 10, 2002
Just my opinion or personal experience here... I would listen to your PCP regarding withdrawal of meds, especially for BP. I have read a lot recently about withdrawing from psych meds for depression. I am also on Maxzide for high BP. In researching prescription drug withdrawal online, I came across a story that stated that many people don't realize that they should gradually go off BP meds, while under their doctor's care. Nothing at all against your surgeon, but he should refer you to your PCP for med withdrawals for your co-morbidities. Surgeons are often very gifted in their specialty but do lack a general knowledge in overall patient care. That's where your PCP comes in. Best of luck to you. Hope those headaches get better! :) - Anna
   — Anna L.

March 10, 2002
My PCP told me to stay on my meds. I started to be extremely tired. Took my BP and found that it had gotten too low, so I stopped the meds and within days got my energy back. You need to take your bp when your head feels that way to make sure it is the BP causing the problem. But definately, it is the PCPs decision, not the surgeons.
   — faybay

March 10, 2002
I think Anna has a good point about going off your BP meds gradually. If you're doing that you should probably try to get in to your doctor's office, either surgeon or PCP, every week to have your BP checked. Most docs will let you just come in and their nurse can check, so you don't have to make an appt to see the doc. I think the only way you can know for sure that you can get completely off the meds is to try it for a period of time (your PCP should know how long) and then get your BP checked again. If it's normal, then you can probably get off completely.
   — garw

March 10, 2002
Well I agree with your surgeon. Your PCP likely has NO experience with post op WLS patients. What you REALLY must do is check your BP with a cuff or machine at a store repeatedly. Late afternoon is the best time to check your lowest daily number.This has to do with the circidian rythym, that makes us sleepy about this time daily for many folks. Your surgeon is likely concerned about LOW BP. That could cause you to faint or black out when standing up, leaning over or other situation. My BP pre op was around 160 over 110 medicated with prinivill. Post op a month it dropped to 85 over 58 after a brisk walk in from a parking lot. I actually suspect it was lower but that was the lowest reading I got. I skipped 2 days of pills and my BP settled to around 110 over 70 where it remains today. I called my PCP on day 3, he asked what I had done, and after given the info said stop taking those pills:) My profile tells this in more detail. LOW BP can be dangerous and fainting is bad. Do check your number repeatedly, even if you have to borrow or buy a machine. As too the feeling in your head, it MIGHT just be stress, and not BP related. You need some actual readings. A PCP NEVER EXPOSED to a post op will be clueless about the fast change that occurs in us. Ordinarily few if any people go OFF BP meds, they just change drugs and get higher doses. Do let us know what happens.
   — bob-haller

March 10, 2002
Carolyn, I am currently almost 3 months post-op. When I had the surgery I was taking atenolol 100 mg and HCTZ 25 mg for high BP. I was not given any BP meds in the hospital and the surgeon sent me home and told me I didn't need to take the BP meds. After about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks, I decided to check my BP at home. It was running around 150/116. I called my PCP and he was not at all happy that the surgeon had told me to stop my BP meds cold turkey. He told me to get back on them immediately. It took another 2 weeks to get my BP back to even the high normal range. At about 2 months post op, I saw my PCP and my BP was in the low normal range. He then cut my atenolol in half to 50 mg per day. I don't think you can "just know" when you should cut down on your BP meds. It is probably better to err on the side of caution with BP meds. I get aggravated with my PCP because he tends to be very cautious about decreasing BP meds, but I know he just has my best interest at heart. I would suggest buying one of the home BP monitors. They are not all that expensive. That way, you can monitor your BP a few times a day at home and keep a record for your PCP. Personally, I intend to follow my PCP's (no my surgeon's)advice in regard to BP meds. Karen
   — Karen W.

March 10, 2002
Same thing happened to me. My surgeon said to stop my BP meds. That was in November at my 3 month checkup. I stopped them for about a week, but BP started going up again. It took until January to get them back to normal. I have my BP checked with my PCP every 2 weeks. I am down to a half of a BP pill--hopefully soon to be off them entirely. Have your PCP monitor you often.
   — NancyNorris