Question:
When will my pouchbe able to handle regular vitamins and calcium.

I am 5 weeks post op.    — Mary M. (posted on October 5, 2002)

October 5, 2002
Regular vitamins are usually big. You probably wont ever be able to have them. The opening to your stomach is now as narrow as the tip of a pencil, therefore, you can't swallow any pill larger than that. I take one adult centrum chewable a day and a Real Meals shake everyday. The Real Meals has your 60 grams of protein, biotin(to keep your hair)calcium, vitamin b12 and over 30 other vitamins and nutrients. Check it out at www.protein-solution.com
   — Linda A.

October 5, 2002
I had to be dilated twice from a stoma that is too small. I would try to swallow a half of a pill and it would get stuck, and it hurt. Then at about 6 months post-op I was able to swallow a good size pill. Now 11 months post-op and have had no problems since I started swallowing the pills. You will eventually be able to also. Most can do it earlier than I did, but I had the stoma 'issues'.
   — Cheri M.

October 5, 2002
Mary, I kept using the chewables (calcium and Multivitamins) until about 9 months post-op. I was kind of chicken to try and swallow a large capsule. Now I have no problem what so ever.
   — LLinderman

October 5, 2002
I cut my pills for 30 days, but then can swallow any size pill without a problem. All the ones I use will dissolve in water or saliva in less than 5 minutes, so they don't attempt to leave the pouch whole. At the very least, they are MOOSH, if not completely dissolved.
   — vitalady

October 5, 2002
Our surgeon instructs his patients to change from "chewable" to vitamins and calcium of their choice at 3 weeks post-op. We never cut or crushed our medications and had no problems at all. Good luck!
   — Diana T.