Blood Pressure Medication

[girliegirl777]

I have read here about several people who have been able to go off of their blood pressure medication after surgery. I was wondering about that process. Did you make the decision yourself? Did your Doctor take one reading that was normal and take you off? Also, how did you cope with the headaches that resulted?

Thank you!

[Narasweet]

I have halved mine but was all under dr directions

[KebfromCincy]

Absolutely DO NOT go off your blood pressure medication on your own. For your safety, this is something you should only do with the advise and direction of your physician. Some blood pressure medications must be discontinued gradually. And no, I cannot see a Doctor taking you off on the basis of one good reading, just as they would not put you on it on the basis of one slightly elevated reading. ( This happened to me. We waited a few weeks with me checking it myself at work in a hospital. It went back down.) Obesity is only one factor in hypertension. Your blood pressure may be elevated for a whole other reason unrelated ( but not helped ) by your weight. I have heard of people on multiple medications to control their hypertension being able to get off all but one. I have heard of people not being able to leave it behind. So, keep up the good work losing weight and perhaps call your primary care doctors office and ask when he/she wants to see you next. Now if you had surgery in the States and see your surgeon or bariatric nurse for weigh-ins, they too will take your pressure and perhaps tell you it is time to see your Primary Care Doctor. However, if you are having symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness and fainting, see a Doctor sooner rather than later.

[ltlsqueak]

I think it would be great if you're able to come off your medication. I know that my medication has changed since surgery. I'm completely off of my insulin shots. I didn't do anything without the supervision of my doctor. I'm sure they'll do what's best for you. Continued success as you continue along this journey!

[Mrssimpson]

My primary took me off my 1 med just after surgery. She took me off the second a couple months later after a few weeks of 1/2dose. I went from 2 meds each twice a day to none now.

[shemarie]

My surgeon recommended that I have a follow up with my PCP a week after surgery. My doctor gave me a guideline of where my BP needs to be to stop taking one of my meds, so, as soon as my body cooperates, I can stop the one, but have to still continue the other one until I see him again in 3 months.

[tinman]

I waited until I was down to my goal weight and then took myself off of them. My blood pressure shot up pretty good. I take the lowest dosage possible of Ziac. Over the course of the last 6-8 months, I'll jump off for a day or two and then notice my bp is back up in a bad range. So, I go back on.

I'm guessing that I will always have to take that little pill.

I agree with everyone else on here about consulting with your PCP before doing something like that. There could be other factors in play as to why you are taking the medication. For example, mine also includes a diuretic. If your PCP is trying to kill two birds with one stone, like mine does, then you will be causing issues in areas you never thought about.

I believe in getting off prescriptions as much as possible, but, there's a smart way and a dumb way to do it. My way is the dumb way. The PCP's way is the smart way.

[shemarie]

The one that I have to stay on also has the diuretic, he said that eventually we will cut the dose in half, but that will be in awhile still.

[Leanng]

Within six months of my surgery I was off all of my prescription meds. My PCP reduced the amount and then the dosage until there were none. He monitored my blood pressure over those 6 months and took me off when I was ready and then has continued to monitor that I should stay off. Everything is looking good on the blood pressure front.

[lissap]

i'm off my medication! love it

[StacyD]

I was wondering if those who are already sleeved can answer..... I take a tiny blood pressure pill, and a capsule for a water pill. After surgery how do I take them? Do I have to crush the blood pressure pill? Or can I swallow them? I am so afraid of these pills getting stuck somewhere lol

[KebfromCincy]

Some people seem to be able to swallow medications and some can't. For those who can't crushing is an option but be sure to check with your pharmacist first before you do it. Some pills are not supposed to be crushed. There are some tricks for those who seem to be having problems. This was taught to me by an old nurse, now I am the old nurse. Place your pill wherever you want in your mouth, take a sip of water and tilt your head back so the pill washes back then drop your chin towards your chest and swallow. Works for me!

[teddtlove]

So what kind of numbers do the Drs want you to get to before you come off? I won't do it unsupervised just curious.

[Leanng]

Talk to your surgeon, they will let you know what you can and can't take, and how to take it.

Good luck to you.

I was wondering if those who are already sleeved can answer..... I take a tiny blood pressure pill, and a capsule for a water pill. After surgery how do I take them? Do I have to crush the blood pressure pill? Or can I swallow them? I am so afraid of these pills getting stuck somewhere lol

[Leanng]

My numbers have stayed about 120/80, up and down a bit but right in that area.

So what kind of numbers do the Drs want you to get to before you come off? I won't do it unsupervised just curious.