I can't crush my pills anymore, I just can't! It's actually giving me anxiety because I dread it so much. I can't do it when so many others are swallowing pills right out of surgery. I questioned the surgeon's office today why they had a 4 month rule when so many other doctors don't. "Oh no. We don't do that here. It could get stuck in your pouch." I don't have a pouch!!!!!!!!

They broke them in 1/4's and told me to take on quarter every five minutes, at the hospital. That's all well and good but I take about an hour or two of quartering/five minutes worth of meds. I swallowed whole after 2 weeks. No problems.

Yes. I've started breaking them up into quarters, and it takes a long time to take them. I just set out the dish and as I walk by I take a pill.

I used to be able to take 3 large pills in one swig. Now even small pills sometimes get stuck in my throat. Is it all psychological?

Also, for those of you taking whole pills, are any of you taking extended release?

I never had any requirements to crush pills. Been taking regular meds since I got home. I was on a chewable multi Vitamin initially, but have since gone to a pre-natal which is massive (not that I am pregnant, but it saves me from having to take two multis a day). I've been on the pre-natal since about one month post op and swallow that bad boy down fine. The rest of my pills (all vitamins) are more normal sized things.

I haven't ever been told by my surgeon to crush pills since you are not supposed to crush pills if they are time released. I currently take potassium, actigall, and an antibiotic which are in capsule form. I have no problems though I do try and take them with food, 15 minutes after meals. But if you must crush them, eat them with applesauce or yogurt. That would be easier. Good Luck!

I did it! I swallowed them whole!!!! Oh my goodness! So much better. Still doing chewable vitamins and calcium.

To this day I do try to avoid taking pills, almost a year out. ( ok, ten months) But it is personal choice more than anything else. I never liked taking pills to beg with. I still take liquid Vitamins just because I prefer them. I have taken Protonix (proton pump inhibitor) since day one and never had issue with it being a pill. ( small pill though) On occasion I will take a Tylenol and I am on blood thinners for life. ( which are pills I HAVE to take daily) I have had no issues with taking pills, but as I said I try not to take that many.

I take a fistful of pills every morning. I drop them in my mouth, take a nice swig of Protein shake and swish 'em around to coat them, and down they go. Never had a problem. Try with one or two first to see how you tolerate it. Good luck!

My doctor said if we didn't want to crush pills just get the chewable ones and it makes a huge difference. At first I got the gummies and they are great but I've now bought the Bariatric Advantage chewables that come in multiple flavors. Some Vitamins don't come in chewable so I just swallow them whole. Sometimes I think some of the surgeons are just overly cautious. Sometimes you have to take the bull by the horns and do what is best for yourself.

Are we told to crush them because they are too big to swallow, or does it have anything to do with the new pouch not being able to fully digest them in time?

My nut and surgeon will only allow me to take chewable vitamins and chewable calcium citrate.

Oh God, I've been here in bed knowing I have to go crush my meds and gag them down and keep putting it off. Hate it!!!