Are we allowed pills?

[LeanerLena5426 61]

When I had a lapband, I wasn't allowed to take any pills and had to crush any medication and take liquid/chewable Vitamins. Does the same rule apply with the sleeve? I know we're not allowed to take NSAIDs, but that's because they can lead to ulcers right? My surgeon told me to take chewable Multivitamins, but didn't say anything about never swallowing an actual pill again. Just wondering what other people's surgeons have said about this, or what you do?? Thanks for any help!

[Bufflehead 6,358]

I was allowed pills starting 3 days after surgery and haven't had any problem with them. I've heard of people having a temporary restriction on pills, or a temporary size restriction on pills, but I've never heard of anyone not allowed pills ever after vsg.

[littlebitsy 72]

We're only allowed to take pills no larger than an aspirin or M&M for the first month after surgery after that we can take regular sized pills.

[cms213 119]

I take regular size pills for Vitamins and things like that. Although I waited till almost 8 weeks to try the bigger pills.

[JoiaRox 430]

I was allowed to continue with pills as I could tolerate them. My birth control pill, for instance, is a tiny pill - I was told I could continue taking them as prescribed, so I took one the day after surgery.

[sherry24184 253]

I was told to cut mine but yes we can take pills with the sleeve.

[MIJourney 490]

I was allowed to take the pills I needed to continue with after surgery. Had no problem. 1 was on the large size.

[Macy6 356]

I am allowed to swallow pills. I take a Prilosec capsule, two different antidepressants and Tylenol as needed. I've never had any issues.

[RickM 1,747]

pills are OK even early on, though the larger ones like Calcium tablets are difficult and most use chewables or liquids for that for a couple months. NSAIDs are also generally OK with the sleeve - it's the bypass that has a serious problem with them and some docs carry over the same instructions to the sleeve (the ability to use NSAIDs and similar drugs is one of the major advantages of the sleeve, and DS, over the RNY gastric bypass.)

[Justinh125 472]

My doc told me I can take pills that are about the size of an M&M or smaller. If larger, they told me to split it in half with one of those pill cutters (UNLESS it's a delayed release pill.)

[LeanerLena5426 61]

Thanks everyone! That sounds good--I can definitely live with that. So much better than with the band!!!