why does it have to be liquid or chewable?

[ProudMama 9]

Can I take a normal Vitamin in a pill form? I am still pre op but trying to prepare all the stuff I will need after. Thank you.

[prayergirl 55]

My surgeon said that anything smaller than an M&M would be fine. But I don't know of any Vitamins that small! I got a chewable multi Vitamin at Trader Joes (the one with extra minerals) and a sublingual B12 but the Calcium I couldn't find any other form so I will just have to crush them and add to liquid/food.

I never asked, but I just assumed it was because our stomachs will be so much smaller. That's why we have to start slowly with food. Clear liquids, then full liquids, then soft foods, etc.

I would just verify with your surgeon to be sure. I'm pre-op, too with surgery scheduled for June 4th!

Best of luck to you!

[TES 858]

^{Right after you have surgery, your stomach is so swollen, the circumference is about the size of one of those sippy straws/stirrers that people put in coffee (not a regular straw that you would drink out of). So if you took a regular pill, it could get stuck, which would be very uncomfortable. That's why liquid and chewables are recommended for at least 6 weeks post-op.}

[DonRodolfo 1,416]

Can I take a normal Vitamin in a pill form? I am still pre op but trying to prepare all the stuff I will need after. Thank you.

A few weeks after surgery, maybe. But at first you would have to crush it to take it. After having tried them, I prefer the chewable Vitamins.

[mistysj 1,940]

I'm 3 weeks out and have no trouble. I was given Nexium at the hospital and its about the same size as a Vitamin. Also if you get a good Meal Replacement shake it gives you 100% of your nutrients if you get in 3 shakes. That's what I did the first couple weeks.

[sterman46 2]

Can I take a normal Vitamin in a pill form? I am still pre op but trying to prepare all the stuff I will need after. Thank you.

The info I received from the doc and nut was about the lack to absorption on regular Vitamins just the same reason you need to take Vitamins for the rest of your life. If their not chewed you do not get the value of the Vitamin.< /p>

[Ree 215]

I was told I could take whatever Vitamin I feel comfortable taking. I asked "so I can take one in pill form?" and the nurse said "sure, you'll learn to adjust to taking it and at first you might have to chop it into several pieces to get it down but you can take pill form if you want" she also said I could take Gummy right after surgery if I wanted too. I will probably take gummy form right after surgery and then transition to the pill form I'll be taking before surgery. Just because the gummy multi doesn't have everything in it that I require or want in a Multivitamin.< /p>