Can you take your regular meds post op??

[Connie1968 0]

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering, I am a chronic pain patient and I take oral pain meds throughout the day, everyday. When I get banded, will I be able to swallow and keep down the pain meds I need to take that first few days? Anyone else out there know how this works? One of my meds I cannot crush because it is a time released drug so I have been wondering how this will work for me. Also, how much pain is there post operatively? Because I take pain meds already for my spine, I worry that I am going to be in more pain then expected because of my high tolerance to pain meds. Any other chronic pain patients out there who have been banded? Love to hear about your experiences with these issues.

[PATCHELTON 0]

I am not on pain meds like you, but when my doc told me I could go back on all my meds I had to make adjustments. Any that could, I cut in half with a pill cutter. I take fish oil and Cosamin DS for my knee arthritis. Cosamin capsules can be opened and mixed in cold food (not hot) such as yogurt or applesauce. However my fish oil was a gelcap. I did some research and found a liquid mint flavored fish oil. One tablespoon actually gives me more Omega 3s than the 2 gelcaps I had been taking. Also Cosamin now has power packs, a packet with powder to be mixed in a bottle of Water, similar to Crystal Light flavors. I get my Cosamin and Water at the same time.

As for your time release med, check with the prescribing doctor to see if you can cut it and if not if there is an alternative you can take in a liquid or pill that can be cut. And after fills for a day or two you should cut pills. I didn't after my first fill because I was in a hurry for work, and the pill got stuck. I had my first sliming experience on the parking lot next to my car. The pill dissolved enough to pass shortly so it wasn't too bad. You just need to talk to your doc to see what alternatives exist for you. I was fortunate and didn't have a lot of pain post op. Good luck on your journey.