Medications and LAP BAND

[mrsshmoo8289 5]

I take five psychiatric meds a day. I have been seriously considering the Lap Band procedure, but I'm afraid it will affect how my meds are absorbed. I take some at Breakfast, some at lunch, some at dinner, so it's not just once a day.

Does anyone have experience with this type of situation? Doesn't have to be psych meds, any kind of meds would be affected. This is one of my biggest reasons to hesitate making the appointment with the bariatric surgeon, that and potential for weight regain later despite best efforts. I don't want to end up on liquid only, or something like 1000 calories day. That seems too low to me.

Thanks for any help you can give with this. Looking forward to meeting you all.

[PrettyThick1 1,860]

It depends on two factors: how large are the pills or if they can be split. If neither of those will work, see if your meds are available in liquid form. You should consult your PCP regarding absorbtion rates, it is definitely much faster for me that had it been before the band. I hope one of these options will work for you and that you are successful in your weight loss journey regardless of the road you have to take. Good luck to you!

[PrettyThick1 1,860]

Part 2: You have short periods of liquids only, for example: pre-op and post-op which are both in the 2 week range, then 1 day after fills. I eat just about anything I want and I never get close to our recommended caloric intake of 1,200 per day, unless it's a special occasion and I've had a glass of wine, sweets or too many carbs.

[Leepers 1,195]

Since they don't actually cut your stomach for a Lap Band, I wouldn't think absorption would be an issue. Some people have problems with the size of the pills and have to cut them down. Some pills are extended release and can't be cut. This is something you could discuss with your pharmacist. I take a huge Metformin pill and have not had any problems so far.

[jennybean 175]

Yours is a valid concern and something I never thought about before surgery.

I ended up having complications (which are rare) where my swelling was so bad after surgery, they had to take out all of the primer fill (3.5 cc's) and I STILL ended up being too tight after surgery with an empty band. I could not even swallow my own spit!

I ended up in emergency for 4 days on IV. During this time I could not swallow my anti-depressants. I stopped taking them (which I wanted to try anyways) and still am off them to this day.

Luckily this was an option for me as my medication was mild and I am still feeling OK. I have been able to swallow Tylenol without any problems, but anything bigger might scare me. I would feel comfortable taking my old anti-depressant if necessary.

You should talk to your doctor(s) about this and see what they think.

[NancyintheNorth 112]

talk to your doctor, or take a free consultation with a bariatric surgeon. I doubt there would be malabsorption issues as the band doesn't prevent those types of issues. If all else fails, I've bought a pill crusher and will down those meds in one swift shot. Best of luck to you

[lisacaron 5,075]

Unlike other WLS the lapband does not have a malabsorbtion issue. You will be able to digest anything you swallow fully. As some stated above larger pill may pose an issue in swallowing depending on several factors after surgery. I personally have never had any issues with swallowing any medications even larger Vitamin pills.

The best advice is to see the surgeon and ask them how they would suggest for you to continue your meds as you are most likely on a cocktail that needs to be consistent for stability.

It should not be an issue even when you are in the hospital and after banding, but they can guide you and help you to take your meds after surgery in a way that will work best for you, your band and your medical condition.

[Bandista 7,466]

Put those medical professionals to work for you -- the doctors will consult and come up with a plan. A pharmacist may be the one to chime on pill sizes -- they can be very helpful. By the way, be very careful of any time-released medications as splitting/crushing can cause dosage problems.

[terrydumont46 1,954]

I am bi-polar and have anxiety disorder. I am on 6 different psych drugs a total of 16 1/2 pills a day just for this disorder. I asked my psychiatrist when I had my psych evaluation can I crush or chew my pills not a problem he said. none of my pills are time released. I also asked if, as I lose wt. will I be needing to lower my dosage. no he said. I purchased a pill crusher and used it in the beginning but don't need to anymore. besides those pills I also take 21 additional pills. sometimes when my band is tight I crush my pills or chew them. if everything is normal I will take with just a little Water. I let the water melt the pills in my pouch. But I have changed pills to smaller ones and got away from time released pills so I have the option to chew them. good luck. this is a valid question to take to whoever issued the prescription.

[mrsshmoo8289 5]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I'm very grateful to all of you who took time to respond to me.

Yeah, two of my meds (Effexor XR and Wellbutrin XL) are extended release, so can't be cut. I am also on a high dose of Abilify though and don't want any malabsorption problems. I have psychotic depression, and if I don't keep that Abilify level at 20 mg, I can't get through the workday.

Definitely a question for my PCP, pdoc, and bariatric surgeon. But I also wanted to know peoples' real experiences. It's one thing for a doc who doesn't have a lap band to tell you something, but another to talk to people who have been there.

[terrydumont46 1,954]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I'm very grateful to all of you who took time to respond to me.

Yeah, two of my meds (Effexor XR and Wellbutrin XL) are extended release, so can't be cut. I am also on a high dose of Abilify though and don't want any malabsorption problems. I have psychotic depression, and if I don't keep that Abilify level at 20 mg, I can't get through the workday.

Definitely a question for my PCP, pdoc, and bariatric surgeon. But I also wanted to know peoples' real experiences. It's one thing for a doc who doesn't have a lap band to tell you something, but another to talk to people who have been there.

we don't generally have a problem with malabsorption. we have our stomach still intact.