Question:
when can I start taking my pills without breaking them up.

I am 4 months post- op    — poppink (posted on July 2, 2004)

July 2, 2004
I started using elongated pills about 3 months. I was told that the stomach will naturally turn them.
   — classydame1

July 2, 2004
I started taking pills on post-op day 3. The only one that I had to wait a little longer on was my calcium. I was about 2 months post-op before I could take it without them getting stuck. Trial and error will be your guide. If it gets stuck, it will come back up. Wait a couple of weeks, and try again. For me, broken pills were worse than the whole pill as the edges were sharp and uncomfortable. Rachel 11 months post-op 285/150
   — Rachel T.

July 2, 2004
It took me til about 6 mos. before I could not break up large pills.
   — Cathy S.

July 2, 2004
I am almost 2yrs post-op and I still either crush my pills or cut into fours. I still seem to get food/pills stuck. Good luck!
   — Sandy M.

July 3, 2004
I was sent home from the hospital with a scrip for Lortab. I was never told to crush them and never had a problem. They are about the same size as a multi-vitamin
   — RebeccaP

July 3, 2004
Hi, I started taking my pills the next day after surgery as my blood pressure pill CAN'T be crushed or cut up. It is time released and to do so would and did make me sick the one time I took two halves because the machine at the pharmacy broke one in half. It also came with a notice from the pharmacy NOT to crush or cut. I have had no trouble at all taking any and all pills without crushing.
   — Sue-Ellen J.

July 4, 2004
What surgery did you have? If you had SRVG and have a ring you will always have to watch the size of pills.The plastic ring will not have any give but the connection with a RNY will stretch some. I had RNY and was told to keep pills smaller than my little finger in diameter.Ask your surgeon about sustained release meds. Since RNY patients have shorter area for absorption, the time release tabs may not be as effective since you don't absorb all the med.Good luck.
   — dianne E.

July 4, 2004
I had open RNY 2 years ago and never crushed up a pill. I guess it may depend on what type of surgery you had though. What does your doc recommend?
   — emilyfink

July 5, 2004
I am 1 week out from surgery and had the RNY Lap and have taken my meds without crushing since the third day from surgery. I just need to space them and take water with them.
   — Sheryl C.

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