Question:
Taking Capsules post-op

Are we able to take any kind of capsules post-op? I understood that we can't take capsules at all because of the small amount of gastric juices that RNY patients produce. Does anyone else have any information on this? My PCP says he thought it was just the first 6 months. Do I need to ask my surgeon? Thanks to all of you!    — Tammy E. (posted on May 11, 2004)

May 11, 2004
Yes, ask your surgeon but mine said if it will disolve in water, it is okay to take. If I had any question, I'd drop one in a glass of water and see if it took longer than 30 minutes to disolve. So far, haven't found one that doesn't dissolve in that time limit. However, the timed release medications are the problem whatever form they're in. We simply don't absorb enough of them for them to be effective.
   — scbabe

May 11, 2004
Capsules dissolve in saliva. I've tested them from 26 seconds to 4 minutes. Same pill, same mouth but I'm guessing different pH at different times. However, when I tested in water, after 5 hours, it was still intact, but huge. They are gelatin, so they need the chemicals in saliva to break down. You can always break one open, and put the empty shell in your mouth to test. I tested one with contents. Oops. LOL! The others I tested empty. Some people roll caps around a few times, then swallow to get the saliva going first.
   — vitalady

May 12, 2004
I take capsules daily - my trinsicon is a capsule - and I have no problems with it.
   — Patty H.

May 12, 2004
Yes, you should ask your surgeon and I also suggest asking your pcp and pharmacist. My surgeon okayed my resuming taking EffexorXR immediately upon my release from the hospital because he'd heard some of the horror stories from suddenly stopping the antidepressants. I noticed after a few days that there were tiny white beads in my stool. Sorry, I know it's gross. Anyway, I opened my capsule, the only capsule I take, and it was filled with tiny white beads. I then started taking the capsules apart and dumping the beads in a spoonful of applesauce to take to see if that helped my absorption any. I still see the beads in my stools so I'm going to have to talk to the pcp and surgeon but I'm going to talk to my pharmacist first. Maybe there's something not timed released that I can take. Strangely, I haven't noticed feeling any worse depression-wise. I've felt wonderful since the surgery.
   — debbiecork

May 20, 2004
I am 4 months post op. The pharmacist told me to take them apart. I put the med in a glass of juice. I can't taste a thing. I can't tell you if there is a real need to do this. My pharmacist just told me to do it because I told him I am afraid it will get stuck.
   — Cameron Van Winkle