Question:
Can we use capsules or are we to use only caplets or pills or liquid?

A friend of mine had rny about 1 year ago in Mich at the BTC and her doctors said she is not do take capsules because the could block the openings. That she should use caplets, pills, liquids. Has anyone else heard of this? Also that you can't take arthritis meds such as anti-inflamitory ? Can take only tylonal for pain of arthritis. Is there any thing about meds we should know?    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 3, 2002)

March 3, 2002
Each surgeon is different. My surgeon told me to only take pills that I felt were small enough. (In other words do not take horse pills...cut them in half if they are too big.) Capsules dissolve immediately so I was told they should be ok. It all depends on what your surgeon tells you. He knows best.
   — Kelly M.

March 3, 2002
The reason for not taking NSAIDS after surgery is that they can irritate the stomach. I believe there are other prescription meds that can be taken to help with arthritis pain.
   — garw

March 3, 2002
i take a nexium every day. it is in capsule form. i have not had any problem with it. my dr also told me it was the size that mattered. how do u determine the 'proper' size? measure it against ur pinky finger. if it is thinner than the width of ur finger its safe to take. he said that is true for ANY pill.
   — sheryl titone

March 3, 2002
Following RNY, my surgeon's instructions are to "resume your previous medications". He has no restrictions on capsules or various sized tablets, and does not advise crushing medications or changing to liquid medications. He prohibits ibuprofen and aspirin, and only allows Tylenol for fever or mild discomfort. For his patients that need anti-inflammatory medication, he prescribes Arthrotec.....a tablet that combines the anti-inflammatory Voltaren, with Cytotec, a drug that protects the stomach lining from irritation. I have used Arthrotec very successfully in the two years since my RNY. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

March 3, 2002
Most of my meds/vitamins are in capsule form and I have had no problem. My mother has fairly severe arthritis and, although she knows to avoid Advil, Aleve, etc., her doctor has allowed her to stay on Celebrex for her knees. The major thing about meds and vitamins is to make sure they aren't time-released.
   — PT LawMom

March 4, 2002
If the pills dissolve in about 5 minutes in saliva, they should be fine. They start dissolving in the pouch and then are softened before they hit the stoma. Caps are usually safe, or the ones I've tested have been. Tablets, not always. I've tested mine, so I feel safe with those. I'd never, ever put NSAIDS in this tiny pouch. I also have osteoarthritis, but take Plaquenil (rx) for it. It's not a pouch burner.
   — vitalady

March 4, 2002
I personally was told that I should be able to take normal-sized capsules and tablets right away post-op, but the reality was quite different. I've thrown up every capsule I've taken except for one course of medication that I REALLY NEEDED that I started at 5 months... and those capsules were VERY uncomfortable. I seem to be able to swallow any sort of tablet though no matter how big. Go figure.<p>I don't know much about arthtritis drugs; I know almost all if not all NSAIDs are a no-go, but I would consult with my surgeon about that class of medication.
   — Julia M.