I must take an XR (extended relief) medication daily which can't be crushed. It's a capsule which can be opened and contains very small balls. Has anyone had experience with this issue in first days post op, please please share advice.

I had to do this as well. It helps to put some water in your mouth first then dump the capsules into this trying not to dump them under your tounge and swallow fast and then wash it down with a little more water. They also make Prevacid in a disolvable tablet, but if you do not have prescription coverage it is very expensive.

I have had no trouble swallowing pills post-op.

Time-release meds aren't great with the band. In general, they are intended to pass from the stomach and open in the small intestine. The band allows them to remain in the stomach too long. Removing the little balls of med affects their rate of absorption.

I'd ask the doctor (or better, pharmacist; they are more attuned to bioavailability issues than most physicians---my doctor never hesitates to pick up the phone to pick a pharmacist's mind when making med choices for me) whether the bioavailability/absorption of the particular medication you take is affected by the band/opening the capsule/dissolving in the stomach rather than in the small intestine as intended.

There may be a med that would be a better match for a banded patient.

I must take an XR (extended relief) medication daily which can't be crushed. It's a capsule which can be opened and contains very small balls. Has anyone had experience with this issue in first days post op, please please share advice.

I use applesauce but Betsy is right about the time release meds.

I had to do this as well. It helps to put some water in your mouth first then dump the capsules into this trying not to dump them under your tounge and swallow fast and then wash it down with a little more water. They also make Prevacid in a disolvable tablet, but if you do not have prescription coverage it is very expensive.

thanks for post, I have sporadic web access, therefore delayed response