I've seen it mentioned on a few threads that bandsters are not supposed to take capsules? Why? I don't remember my doctor saying anything about this or else I've just forgotten, but I'm taking my effexor in capsule form and have not had any problems. I've also taken tylenol in capsule form.

Just looking for an explanation.

I think many band doc's feel that capsules might get stuck in the small stoma that the band makes. That's what I have been told.

Terry

It's not a problem UNTIL it becomes a problem. If you're not overly restricted, you may be able to take them fine, however, it's also very possible to become restricted enough to not allow for capsules to pass through the stoma without much pain, possibly not at all, becoming stuck. Once you go there, you'll never want to go back.

In my case, I always take my medications with food of some sort. While I'm having dinner, along with a bite or with a spoonful of yogurt, ice cream, Jello - something to help it slip through. Capsules were a problem for me before being banded, so it's a practice I've always used. Nothing like having a hard capsule stuck in your gullet for 24hrs at a time.

Go in caution...

I take Effexor, too. My surgeon told me to open the capsule and put it in a small glass of Crystal Light and drink it. That's what I have been doing and it works fine.

Mary

I put my capsule in a glass and pour a "couple of swallows" worth of Water over it. Wait 1 - 2 minutes and drink it down. So far I haven't had any problem with it sticking. One time I forgot to take the pill and it sat in the water for more than a few minutes. When I touched the capsule to get it unstuck from the side of the glass it felt very, very slimy. I swallowed it down without a problem.

The capsule itself is made of gel and when it's left in water for a couple of minutes, it starts to disolve and, after feeling one, I can't imagine needing anything else to make it slip through the stoma.

BTW, soaking the capsule was the way my lap band doctor recommended taking my capsule pain meds post-op.

Hm. My antibiotic after surgery WAS a capsule. He said IF I have trouble, to open it up and dump the liquid in water and take it that way (which I did, because I was scared), but never said anything about not taking them in the future.

I was never told not to take anything in capsule form; first I've heard of that.

I've had no problem, so I will continue with this practice!

I take Effexor, too. My surgeon told me to open the capsule and put it in a small glass of Crystal Light and drink it. That's what I have been doing and it works fine.

Mary

I also take effexor as well as prozac in capsule form. My dr. is being kind of a jerk about switching me to smaller capsules or even pills, so I've just been taking the regular size capsules. The effexor XR capsules are pretty big, but I haven't had any problems. It could be because I take my meds at night when I have a bit less restriction.

I had my surgery 3 days ago and the analgesic medication prescibed by thew doctor is in a capsule form....I've had no problems swallowing them.

It seems there are quite a few opinions and variations on taking capsules. It doesn't bother me when I take them, but it is something that I keep in the back of my mind.

Keep the info comin'.

That is really interesting. I had surgery by Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey (he is banded as well) and he told me to just soften the capsule in my mouth for about one minute and then swallow it. They slide right down! He says whenever he has a cold or anything, he looks for something in capsule form to take as they seem to go down easier than pills (even those cut in 1/2 or whatever!

If it can fit through you are okay.

I take herbal supplements in big, huge capsules and have no problem with them at all. And I do have good restriction. I just have never had a problem with pills of any kind, despite a lot of pre-band worrying.

I take them everyday and that has never been a problem. I have 2.5 in a 4cc band,, I am really restricted 1/4 cup and a 1/2 cup absolute max.. So I say try it if it gets stuck it will get unstuck eventually.. I actually do not think it will... but you never know..