Question:
Anyone had problems swallowing pills after rny?

I have surgery scheduled for Oct 29th and am a bit concerned about my pills and if they might get "stuck" after rny. I have a blood pressure capsule that is about the size of a larger Tylenol capsule. Doctor's do not seem to think I'll have a problem but reading some of the questions and answers here from the "pros" who have actually experienced the surgery, I'm still a bit concerned about my pills getting "stuck". Anyone have any suggestions on how to take larger capsules? There is no "liquid" form of this medication. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks bunches!    — annteekee (posted on October 22, 2009)


October 21, 2009
Hi, I had RNY july 28th.My Dr gave me nexium and plavix and pain pills.i was able to take them fine.I even asked him about it and he laughed and said of course you can swallow them.I also have taken a 800 motrin about 6 weeks out.I was even told about 3 months out i could take regular vitamins instead of chewable but plz check with your Dr also .Best wishes.
   — carolyn1970

October 21, 2009
Friend of mine who had this done, told me to put the pill in mouth, get it moist as i can and then swallow it. I tried it and works! hope this helps.On the larger ones, i broke in half.
   — alaskaman

October 22, 2009
YOu will have a natual fear of swallowing after your surgery. We all go through this phase. But.....it will pass. But if you decide to take them whole, be sure to sip a little water first, then put the pill on your tongue as far back as you can feel comfortable. Then take your swallow of water, it will be a scary feeling at first, but you will get used to it. Capsules are actually better, because they can get wet first a little, then swallow them, whereas a tablet will need to be cut and rough edges might feel weird to you. Once you get used to swallowing again, you will forget you ever had this concern.
   — Kristy

October 22, 2009
I have had problems swallowing my calcium citrate because it's such a huge pill. I break it in half and take my time with each piece. I agree though that I was scared to try and swallow any pill after my surgery, but it gets easier the longer out you are.
   — C. Barnes

October 22, 2009
I was not allowed to take any pills. I had to crush everything. I had my surgery August113, 2009, now I am allowed to take pills, but I still won't take big ones whole.
   — FSUMom

October 22, 2009
It is strange how different surgeons allow different things. My surgeon is VERY opposed to pill medication for lots of reasons but the main one is that pills may not dissolve completely for absorption of the medication and you have wasted them. Also there is potential blockage of the stoma going out of your pouch if the pill does not completely dissolve. His feeling is if you must take pills then crush them. Now adays there are many more liquid or chewable options and there are very few medications without one of these forms. Talk with the nurse or doctor at your surgeon's practice and good luck.
   — ceecee127

October 22, 2009
Yes, it IS funny how different surgeons have different rules concerning just about everything. MY surgeon's guidelines are basically this.... you cannot take anything larger than a pencil eraser. Everything bigger than that either has to be cut, crushed, chewable, or liquid. However, having said that... he also took me off of all blood pressure meds before I even left the hospital. That was one of the perks of this surgery, is that most patients leave the hospital off nearly all meds except thyroid, and possibly insulin... but most even stop their insulin in the hospital. So, have you even discussed his views on stopping all those meds post-surgery? I haven't taken blood pressure medication since two days pre-op, and my blood pressure is 120/70.... used to be 150/90 or 160/100 without meds. But... I will say ONE thing. I never had trouble swallowing pills before. But now, for some reason, I frequently get them stuck in my THROAT. Not my stomach, but my throat....and I have to drink extra water to get them down. That's weird.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

October 23, 2009
you can also put your pills in yogurt or applesauce and even pudding .you will never know it went down.
   — carolyn1970

October 23, 2009
I used to swallow 2 pills at a time when i took my pills. I never thought of it. Now of course I take them separately. Some people NEVER have a problem. Don't worry. Everyone above had good suggestions.
   — Linda R.




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