We should all know that with gastric bypass surgery NSAIDS can NEVER be taken again as they can cause bleeding ulcers. Additionally, during my pre-op education I didn’t understand the ramifications of time released medication and potential dosage absorption issues. (These facts were disclosed but until I was effected, I didn’t get it.) After surgery it took forever for my time-released medication to kick in and I had issues with two other medications. I was able to switch to a similar medication that isn’t time-released with the option for a second daily dose. As for the other medications that lost their full effectiveness or I could not tolerate due to nausea, my dosages were split from once per day to multiple smaller dosages throughout the day. I hope that this helps someone have a good discussion with their doctors and bypass surgeon.

I'm having problems with my birth control, I'm on an extended cycle pack due to horribly painful periods but have gotten my period 3 times with one lasting two weeks since I started this pack. My OBGYN said that I could need an increased dose but to finish this pack and call him back if things don't change and he'll change my pill. I did some research and found that most oral contraceptives are thought to be mostly absorbed in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine that is bypassed in gastric bypass. This could explain the issues I've been having.

This article does a good job at explaining how different meds are absorbed post gastric bypass.

Liquid meds are effective, too after bypass. I switched from time release, to regular pills 3 times a day, and STILL had a problem absorbing the med. Had to switch to liquid.