Medications

[kutach 0]

How soon can you resume taking your medications after lapband im on pain meds diabetic medicine and bloodpressure do i have to crush my meds or what?

[sistasassy 6]

Every doctor is different so be sure to listen to yours.

Mine never stopped my medication (even in pill form). I did switch to chewable Calcium and Vitamins but that was just my preference because the swallow kind were giving me a bit of indigestion.

[Phx_Jazz 0]

My doctor told me to continue my medications but he didn't say how. I take capsules and a couple large pills. Do I open the capsules and break the large pills? Any advice? I get banded in Dec.

[Sleeved12/29 2]

My "band date" is this Tuesday. I was told to stop all my meds except my Lexapro 48 hours before surgery. Apparently, Metforman causes problems with anaestia.

I was also told to bring all my meds with me and to purchase a pill cutter because I will not be able to swallow the Metformin as it is today.....I pray I will not need the Metformin after a few weeks as I've just been a diabetic since June. That's what sold the LapBand for me.

[kjhack 3]

I have was on a large allergy med and they switched me off that one and on to a different one. I was also on a large reflux me and the switched me to protonix which is pretty small. Make sure you discuss all this with your dr preop and get prepared for smaller pills for post op. Best of Luck!!!!

[sistasassy 6]

My doc said not to open the ones in capsule form. They may be time released.

I would buy a pill splitter and split the big ones. They may not go through quite as fast as smaller ones.

[JamieNP 20]

This all depends on what your surgeon requires.

You need to call the pharmacy and see if your meds can be crushed. Most blood pressure meds can be crushed unless they are an extended release type med.

I chew up my lisinopril and then open my HCTZ and pour the capsule's powder in my mouth. Some meds taste very nasty. If they cannot be crushed, you may have to get it in liquid form. If that is the case, you will have to talk with the doctor that prescribed the med and have them switch the med to liquid. Anytime you get a new prescription you will have to let the doctor know that you need the med in liquid or crushable form..or reditabs.

Some surgeons have no problem with pts swallowing pills whole. Mine said ABSOLUTELY NOT.

[TQUAD64 9]

My doctor stated to continue to take my thryoid meds and to follow up with my primary care doctor to deterime if I need a lower does of the med. My doctor said if the pill is large then I need to crush it. My pill is very tiny and I break it into 2 parts prior to taking the dose.

I have chewable vitamins and chewable calcuim chews.

[Phx_Jazz 0]

Thank you everyone for your words of wisdom. I will discuss this matter with my doc at pre-op appointment.:smile2:

[~Bridgette~ 0]

I suggest you take your actual pills with you. I did that so my surgeon could see my pills and tell me if I needed to do anything different. My Metformin ER 500 mg is kinda large, but b/c it's extended release, I can't break it in half. He said for me to take the smaller pills (Lexapro, atenolol, prilosec) first and then about 15 minutes later take the Metformin. So, that's what I do. He told me it would be fine. So far, no problems. I don't know about after my fill, but as of now, there aren't any problems with it the way it is.

[Phx_Jazz 0]

Thank you Bridgette. I'll do that.

[~Bridgette~ 0]

No problem, Jazz! I wish you the best.