Taking Meds after Surgery

michellyoh · June 26, 2007

I've been told that it's best to not take capsuls after surgery because it may not go down. I was banded on 05/31, and I do not have a problem swallowing anything right now. But I get my first fill on 07/02, so I'm not sure if I'll still be able to take my capsules!?! They are time released capsules, so I cannot sprinkle them on my food.

Anyone have issues?

HarleyNana · June 26, 2007

Before your next refill, see if that med is available in liquid or a pill form that can be cut up. I use my pill cutter all the time now, obviously not on a capsule. You may be surprised in what is available in other forms. My Synthroid is tiny, so that's not a problem and my Boniva goes right down. Good luck on that fill!

michellyoh · June 26, 2007

"Before your next refill, see if that med is available in liquid or a pill form that can be cut up."

I've already checked on this, and because it is time released, it can't be put into another form (I checked w/ my local compound pharmacy). It is for my Cymbalta (anti-depressant). I was hoping I wouldn't need it now, but my mood swings are out of control!! It takes next to nothing to make me angry. . .and that is TOTALLY not like me!!!

debruny · June 26, 2007

take one with you to the doc's office, and let him see it, and ask his opinion. I asked my doc about fish oil pills (which are sort of large capsule types) and he said I could swallow those as capsules melt rather fast. Perhaps your doc will agree. I've not had any problem with them.

StacyinDE · June 26, 2007

Hi Michelle,

You may need to call your doc who prescribes your Cymbalta and have him/her switch you to a comprable medication that either can be cut up or is in liquid form. I had to have that done for my insulin pills.

There are other medications probably even in the Cymbalta family that have a different chemical make up (but with the same effects on you) that can be broken up or come in liquid rather than in a time-release capsule. Your pharmacist may even be able to make a suggestion for you to ask your doctor about.

Good luck with that and your upcoming fill!

Take care

michellyoh · June 26, 2007

Thanks all!!! GREAT suggestions!! This is why I love this site!!

ReneeMarie · June 27, 2007

HarleyNana & StacyinDC, I am taking Synthroid and Metformin. I was wondering if your dose has changed since surgery? I'm hoping to get off of as many of the meds as possible. Any chance of that?

faithmd · June 27, 2007

I was told not to take Metformin any longer when I was discharged from the hospital.

StacyinDE · June 27, 2007

Metformin comes in a liquid (tastes horrible though!) which I had to take just during the first week after I came home. They were giving me insulin shots in the hospital and by the end of that week, my sugars had leveled out and dropped into a normal range so I have not needed any diabetes medication since then - yay! I think I had about 18 pounds off at that point, and for me, that was enough to make a difference.

So, yes, to answer your question, there is hope of getting off of your medications at some point. Losing weight absolutely will impact your health and the need for medications though some comorbidities may take longer than others to resolve. My blood pressure is normal now, my diabetes is gone and my cholesterol has dropped 40 points since I had the surgery in December 2006. I am sure that there are many other people here too, who have had similar results.

Good luck with everything, and just remember that there is definitely a light at the end of this tunnel for you!!

Take care,