Welcome guest, you have 1 message! Register

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 26
  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    01/05/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Kelly
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    West Coast, USA
    Posts
    860
    Said "Thanks" 1 Times
    Was Thanked 174 Times in 158 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 129 Times

    Default Swallowing pills?

    Can you swallow pills the same post-op as you did pre-op?

    I am a big supplement junkie, so it won't be an issue for me to take supplements post-op, but I'm one of those who takes 10 pills at a time with one chug of water and doesn't blink twice. I'm assuming those days will be gone.

    In terms of prescription medication, I take two very small pills, one for my thyroid and one for hypertension. Will I be able to swollow those whole right away or will I have to cut them in half or crush them to take them?

    I bought chewable vitamins as well as sublingual B12 and biotin for post-op, but will I ever be able to normally swollow larger pills? How long till you could (or not)?


  2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  3. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member tprincess's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    11/07/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. Turnquest
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Last Activity
    03-21-2013 08:58 AM
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    35
    Said "Thanks" 3 Times
    Was Thanked 10 Times in 7 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 1 Times
    Blog Entries
    14

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    I believe you will probably have to cut them in half. But read the directions on the bottle and it will tell you if you can even do that. Some say do not crush or cut in half (just in case). Also, Chewable and liquid may be the way to go (at least in the beginning). I am 7 wks post-op and I still have to break my BP medicine in half and take them 5-10 minutes apart for digestion, I would bet you don't need to try to swallow those big horse pills. But always ask your dr what his preference is just to be safe.
    <a href="http://www.gastricsleeve.com/weight-loss-ticker/" title="Click here to create your own Weight Loss Ticker"><img src="http://www.gastricsleeve.com/weight-loss-ticker/tprincess.gif" alt="Weight Loss Ticker" border="0"/></a>

  4. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Danielle
    Surgery date
    11/30/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. Ramy Awad
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Last Activity
    02-07-2013 10:13 AM
    Location
    Southern California
    Posts
    114
    Said "Thanks" 39 Times
    Was Thanked 18 Times in 15 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 21 Times

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    Be careful with your pills. Your body will let you know when something is too big...You don't want to find out the hard way. Pills that have no coating seem to be the worse. Of course, check with your doctor on everything.

    It does get easier, but it takes time.



  5. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member pebbles's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Pebbles
    Surgeon
    Dr. Mario Almanza
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Last Activity
    01-30-2018 09:54 PM
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    363
    Said "Thanks" 62 Times
    Was Thanked 88 Times in 48 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 241 Times
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    I have not had any problems with meds. I took my pills from day one i just take them one at a time instead of all at once!


  6. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    01/05/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Kelly
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    West Coast, USA
    Posts
    860
    Said "Thanks" 1 Times
    Was Thanked 174 Times in 158 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 129 Times

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    I figured I'd probably have to do it one at a time. My blood pressure (lebatalol) can be cut for sure; I used to take just a half. I'm not sure about the synthroid for thyroid, but it's a tiny pill.


  7. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  8. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member pebbles's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Pebbles
    Surgeon
    Dr. Mario Almanza
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Last Activity
    01-30-2018 09:54 PM
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    363
    Said "Thanks" 62 Times
    Was Thanked 88 Times in 48 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 241 Times
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    I have to check my blood pressure and sugar levels before taking my meds because they are not high anymore and my meds have been cut more than half you will have to monitor your med intake it prob want be the same.


  9. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member VSGOct2011's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/08/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr Guillermo Alvarez
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last Activity
    07-04-2013 09:22 AM
    Posts
    431
    Said "Thanks" 2 Times
    Was Thanked 112 Times in 104 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 72 Times
    Blog Entries
    7

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    I also haven't had any problem with pills, although the fishy taste of my Omega 3's would cause me to burp...Lol...
    I have been able to take all my pills as scheduled, although the larger ones were harder at first. As stated by someone else, it does get easier.



  10. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member justme1's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Chele
    Surgery date
    11/02/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. Davidson
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Garland, Texas
    Posts
    341
    Said "Thanks" 156 Times
    Was Thanked 88 Times in 83 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 183 Times

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    Each doctor is different...for me after 6 weeks I was able to take my pills without crushing them. Up until the 6 weeks all medication had to be chewable or liquid.


    <a href="http://lilyslim.com/"><img src="http://swlf.lilyslim.com/TikiPic.php/UjGnkoP.jpg" width="100" height="80" border="0" alt="LilySlim - Personal picture" /><img src="http://swlf.lilyslim.com/UjGnm6.png" width="400" height="80" border="0" alt="LilySlim Weight loss tickers" /></a>

  11. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member healthydebbie's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Debbie
    Surgery date
    10/24/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. Paul Benn
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Last Activity
    03-14-2016 08:07 PM
    Location
    Mayer, Mn
    Posts
    139
    Said "Thanks" 10 Times
    Was Thanked 38 Times in 29 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 17 Times

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    I was told that for the first three months that I can swallow any pill that will slide through a McDonald's straw. Anything larger than that may get stuck and cause pain. It really is a good way to gauge what will work. I have vitamins that absolutely won't fit through it, so I avoid them for now. I'm guessing once the swelling from surgery has diminished, my doc will lift the size restriction.

    I would say that you should be prepared to modify your habit after surgery. You might even find it difficult to take small pills at first, not because of the size, but because it can be difficult to swallow enough water with each pill. I tried to take a B12 and an Iron at the same time. I ended up swallowing a big gulp of air because I was trying to get a good mouthful of water with them. I wasn't horrible, but it was uncomfortable for a minute or two.



  12. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member Tuliptwy's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Twyla
    Surgery date
    08/11/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. M. Almanza
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Last Activity
    03-21-2017 11:57 AM
    Location
    Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    356
    Said "Thanks" 94 Times
    Was Thanked 65 Times in 53 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 4,153 Times

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    After 4 months, I'm finally able to take my 6 pills morning and 6 night down in one gulp again - I had to work up to that. I now take my calcium horse pill and vitamins and everything together, so it does get better.




    SMILE!! It makes people wonder what you're up to!

  13. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member TucsonAmy's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Amy
    Surgery date
    11/23/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. Aceves
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Last Activity
    12-15-2013 11:15 PM
    Location
    Tucson, Arizona, United States
    Posts
    449
    Said "Thanks" 144 Times
    Was Thanked 90 Times in 78 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 72 Times
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    Quote Originally Posted by healthydebbie View Post
    I was told that for the first three months that I can swallow any pill that will slide through a McDonald's straw. Anything larger than that may get stuck and cause pain. It really is a good way to gauge what will work. I have vitamins that absolutely won't fit through it, so I avoid them for now. I'm guessing once the swelling from surgery has diminished, my doc will lift the size restriction.

    I would say that you should be prepared to modify your habit after surgery. You might even find it difficult to take small pills at first, not because of the size, but because it can be difficult to swallow enough water with each pill. I tried to take a B12 and an Iron at the same time. I ended up swallowing a big gulp of air because I was trying to get a good mouthful of water with them. I wasn't horrible, but it was uncomfortable for a minute or two.
    First of all, i have to say i am amazed you have lost 68 lbs. in 58 days!!!! What is your secret?
    Thank you for your knowledgable advice. I have a question for you or the board. My Antigall is a large capsule. Does anyone know how capsules do? I have been opening them and mixing it with liquid. But i will be glad to swallow it as soon as it's safe.

    BTW, Is anyone else taking Actigall (Ursodiol) to prevent gall stones?
    <a href="http://www.gastricsleeve.com/weight-loss-ticker/" title="Click here to create your own Weight Loss Ticker"><img src="http://www.gastricsleeve.com/weight-loss-ticker/TucsonAmy.gif" alt="Weight Loss Ticker" border="0"/></a>
    <a href="http://www.gastricsleeve.com/surgery-date-ticker/" title="Click here to create your own Surgery Date Ticker"><img src="http://www.gastricsleeve.com/surgery-date-ticker/TucsonAmy.gif" alt="Surgery Date Ticker" border="0"/></a>

  14. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member Tuliptwy's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Twyla
    Surgery date
    08/11/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. M. Almanza
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Last Activity
    03-21-2017 11:57 AM
    Location
    Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    356
    Said "Thanks" 94 Times
    Was Thanked 65 Times in 53 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 4,153 Times

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    I take 5 capsules each day Amy, and they're not too bad. I think it's because they're a little squishy and can move around easier.




    SMILE!! It makes people wonder what you're up to!

  15. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Renee
    Surgery date
    10/07/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr Kim, Celebration FL
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Last Activity
    05-02-2013 07:53 PM
    Location
    Orlando
    Posts
    56
    Said "Thanks" 69 Times
    Was Thanked 15 Times in 14 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 13 Times
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    I was taking small pills the day after surgery, but it took me a week to swallow vitamins whole. I'm about 10 weeks out, and I can drink water fast and swallow two big pills at a time. Everyone is different, but you'll figure it out!



  16. #14
    Gastric Sleeve Member healthydebbie's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Debbie
    Surgery date
    10/24/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. Paul Benn
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Last Activity
    03-14-2016 08:07 PM
    Location
    Mayer, Mn
    Posts
    139
    Said "Thanks" 10 Times
    Was Thanked 38 Times in 29 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 17 Times

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    Hi TucsonAmy,

    My secret is that I have only lost 33lbs in the last 58 days:-) The other 35lb was part of a diet I implemented on April 22 up until my surgery. I count all of my weightloss because its part of my personal journey to my goal.

    I've been taking capsules without breaking them apart. Like I mentioned, if it fits through the McDonald's straw, I take it as is. I have been able to take Tylenol gel capsules from day 4 post-op without trouble. I also take 4 Prilosec capsules each day. I don't even feel them.



  17. #15
    Gastric Sleeve Member healthydebbie's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Debbie
    Surgery date
    10/24/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. Paul Benn
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Last Activity
    03-14-2016 08:07 PM
    Location
    Mayer, Mn
    Posts
    139
    Said "Thanks" 10 Times
    Was Thanked 38 Times in 29 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 17 Times

    Default Re: Swallowing pills?

    Hi TucsonAmy,

    My secret is that I have only lost 33lbs in the last 58 days:-) The other 35lb was part of a diet I implemented on April 22 up until my surgery. I count all of my weightloss because its part of my personal journey to my goal.

    I've been taking capsules without breaking them apart. Like I mentioned, if it fits through the McDonald's straw, I take it as is. I have been able to take Tylenol gel capsules from day 4 post-op without trouble. I also take 4 Prilosec capsules each day. I don't even feel them.



Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •