Capsules with little bb pills--URGENT--HELP NEEDED ASAP

My surgeon was given a long list of medications that I take over a month before my surgery date.  I went in for the pre-surgical visit on Thursday.  Before, he had stated, and my daughter was there to hear it, that capsules were fine.  Then, when I went in on Thursday, he stated that I could take no pills that were capsules with the little bbs.   I'm very confused, have paid out of pocket for this, already lost 15 lbs., and don't know where to turn.   Does anyone who has had lap band take these types of medications?

Hmm  jam.. I dont know. Maybe he was talking about time-released capsules? I know those are different... Can you contact him again and follow up? Hopefully some one will have some answers for you...

When I asked him a question, he just repeated the answer in the same manner and then declared the conversation done and over (a quote).  So, no, contacting him isn't an option.  I'm really frustrated.  I've ordered all the meds some time ago and now this.  After this situation, I'd probably not recommend him, even though he was highly recommended on the internet.

I know that 5 days before your surgery, this is probably not what you want to read....but.......if his attitude is so cut and dry about something so important for the rest of your life.......then what is his attitude and responses going to be like for other just as equally important questions????? I think I would be considering a different surgeon, and I think I would call his office 1rst thing Monday and let him know that I was and why.  You should NEVER be made to feel that contacting your surgeon is not an option......I don't care if you ask the same question a thousand times!!! Compassion, and patience is an important part of the bed side manner. Missy

I would love to, but I had to cash pay, and it was my mom's money.  I don't think that they do refunds, either.  If this attitude had come out on the first visit, there would have been no second visit.  I know good drs. and he isn't.  When I find the rate the dr. websites, he's toast.

Generally, capsules are fine for RNY patients, capsules such as various dry vitamins, Tylenol, some antibiotics.  The capsules that have bb type contents are time released in nature.  That is why they are not allowed.  Any extended release medication is on the no no list for us. I make it a point to ask my pcp about every prescription he writes or any medication that he suggests since I know that he is just really learning the rules and restrictions of the RNY patient.  I specifically ask if it is an extended release medication and if it causes stomach irritation. Confirm this with your surgeon. Missy

I can handle the warning ahead of time, just not 5 days before my surgery.  I do appreciate your help, Missy.

Hi there, relax and take deep breaths :)

I am almost 2 years out with the lapband and I take meds everyday and one is a capsule.  We have no malabsorption so we can take anything that is time released.  That being said, some doctors tell their patients to crush their meds for awhile..my Dr. never told me to do this and I have taken my meds since the day I came home with absolutely no problem.  Rule of thumb is usually no bigger than an aspirin, but my Prevacid is a large capsule.  I put it on the back of my tongue and take a huge swig of water and it is gone.  Different doctors seem to have different opinions on meds though.  I think I've heard most everything to be honest.

I have 4 cc in a 4 cc band and still have no problems taking meds and I sure didn't when my band was empty :)

Did you know we have a lapband forum on here listed right under forums.  Come on over and visit us.  I'm sure you will get a lot of input on there.  I love my band and it is the best thing I've ever done for myself.  I'm at goal and maintaining and couldn't be happier.

just take the capsule off...  my surgeon didn't want me taking my Effexor XR, because of the time release part, he said it wouldnt work.  my psychologist said the only difference between the time release and the regular was the coating.  I decided to just take the capsule part off and use the insides, so I would waste the meds.  I also use to take the capsule part off to wein off the Effexor too. 

My effexor xr has the little bbs.  Does yours?  This is one of the pills I'm so upset about.  The others are Pseudovent, Aciphex, and Xanaflex.  The aciphex and the xanaflex are workable, but the Pseudovent has pseudoephedrine, which is a baaad word nowadays.  And, I have a lot on hand, having just refilled a three month supply.  The Effexor XR has me worried, too.  I take 300 mg. daily and 2 days without, I'm a zoo. So how far out on your banding are you?  I'm going to be stage one on Tuesday, which should really excite me.