This may sound dumb, but do all pills and capsuls have to be crushed from this point on?

Also, I'll be looking for great (and economical) protein drink recipes.

'Two hours to banding time.....

Good luck with your surgery Maurice. I am not allowed to swallow pills that are large, but my blood pressure meds are small pills so I am allowed to take them. I also take a multivitamin that is small. I guess your doctor will tell you if you can swallow pills after surgery. Take care!

Hi Maurice,

By now you are in surgery so I'll start this by saying, CONGRATULATIONS!!! :)

pills, like everything else, are a matter of trial and error. There have been times of little restriction when I've been able to take even big Vitamins without breaking them, and also times of more restriction when I've had to break them in half. Now, a year out and at a time of good restriction, my approach varies depending on the type of pill.

Gelcaps and gel-filled pills I take without worry. Vitamin E, for example, goes right through.

My thyroid med is a very small pill, which I take first thing in the morning when I'm tightest and I've never had any problem with that. At night I sometimes take a melatonin tablet which is about twice the size of the thyroid med, and have no problems with that either.

Vitamins are different. After one unpleasant episode of a half-pill getting stuck, I've now switched to chewables or at the very least, break them into smaller pieces than I used to. But this is a very recent change.

You'll just have to figure it out on your own. Welcome to Bandlandia!!

Maurice, best of luck! Please keep us posted. Hope all is smooth and easy for you!

I dissolved my meds. in a tablespoon of Water until I felt brave enough to start swallowing again. Large tablets, like Tylenol, I break in half just to be on the safe side. I take the Gummi Bear Vitamins. They taste just like gummi bears and are no problem. I found the Flintstones Chewable gaggy tasting.

If you take time-released meds. (blood pressure, etc.), get your dr. to give you a regular, non-time released RX.

Protein drinks - In a blender, I mix the unflavored Protein powder with fat-free milk, sliced fresh banana, and frozen fruits (strawberries, blueberries, peaches, etc.). Throw in a few ice cubes and crush to make it thick like a milkshake. My husband is hooked on these and drinks one on the way to work. The more goodies (fruits) you add, the bigger your drink gets. I did try the GNC protein powder. But it was expensive, tastes really bad by itself. I've been using a protein powder from our wholesale store. It's cheaper and has more vitamins in it.

Alex, Im gonna to pm you regarding the thyroid subject... I need help!