Question:
Do others have a problem keeping pills and vitamins down?

Since surgery I have had a hard time with taking pills (any size). They always seem to feel stuck then I start to gag and spit up (mostly mucus). I feel the same way when I take my chewable vitamin. Has anybody experienced this and if so does it get better? Thanks in advance... Tracy    — tracyr (posted on February 17, 2002)

February 17, 2002
i havent had surgery yet, but my doctor spoke of this. he said pills should be crushed, capsules broken apart and mixed with liquid. he says ill be takeing flinstone chewables after surgery. april
   — APRIL P.

February 17, 2002
If this is the only thing getting stuck (not food or water, which could be a constricted opening) then I would crush the chewable vitamins and put them in applesause or something mushy. Always call a pharmacist before crushing or opening any capsules as some are not supposed to be and they are the best source of info for meds. Good Luck!
   — ZZ S.

February 17, 2002
As far as crushing etc.. , not all of these can be crushed or takin' apart. Depends what type of pill it is.I imagine a vitamin would be safe, but check with your Doc. before crushing any type of meds first. : )
   — [Anonymous]

February 17, 2002
I had the same problem earlier on. I'm not much further out than you, I had my RNY on December 3rd. Anyway, I have to follow a specific pill routine that helps me keep them down. I only take them with water, and on a totally empty stomach and SLOW. I take one pill, walk away, go shower or whatever, then take another. It's a pain but I can keep things down. I have to take actigall and I can take those only before bed else I lose them. :) Good luck. Things will get better, there is still a lot of swelling on the inside that will get better with time. Take care, Meredith
   — Meredith P.

February 18, 2002
I have a TERRIBLE time with pills - esp vitamins. Chewables make me gag and pills ALWAYS seem to get stuck. I ended up on the ER one time because I had dry heaves and stomach cramping for like 6 hours after taking a vitamin. I was 5 mos post op at that time. I don't really have an answer for you except that you aren't the only one that experiences this. My doc told me to try liquid vitamins and see if that helps. I also noticed that the plastic capsules go down much better than regular pills.
   — [Deactivated Member]