Hey Guy's:

My surgery is scheduled for Thursday. I went to see my GP yesterday because I had been told that I could take nothing larger than a baby asprin after lap band surgery. I take Glucophage which is a large oblong pill and several other larger pills. He told me that none of his patients have had any problems taking these pills so no changes were made to my prescription. My pharmacist says that Glucophage cannot be crushed due to its time release properties.

Should I be concerned? I see info on this site that says you should grind up pills and take them with applesauce and such. I don't want to come home from surgery and get a pill stuck.

I have a hard time with pills that I can not crush (large pills). Make sure you talk to your doctor / pharmacist !!!

I haven't had any trouble with any of my pills until after my last fill yesturday. This morning I got up and took my medicine. Wellbutrin XL. and immediately knew it was a mistake. It is now almost 4pm and I am still uncomfortable. I just did some research and one page says the shell they put on this tablet doesn't desolve that it is usually just passed through the GI. So now I'm thinking I have a pill shell stuck in my band!! I've made an appointment with my regular doc to see if she can put me on something that is either smaller or that can be crushed. I've also decided once I'm done writting this to call my band doctor and see what he thinks.

You might have to find some alternatives too. You will want to talk to your doctor about what to do right after surgery when your only supposed to be on liquids while your stomach heals. Good luck to you.

I have to take several pills. My doctor had me start my BP pill the day after surgery. I haven't had any problems. I take most of my pills in the morning with my protein shake and I feel full for while.

Thanks, Guy's

I'll discuss this in more depth with my surgeon on Thursday.

Tizen - Let us know how your pill problem works out

Even though I'm a long way from being banded I think about this twice everyday when I take my meds ans supplements. Since most of them are for conditions due to my weight I keep hoping that as I lose some may not be needed any longer.

I cut my pills in half and took them with hot coffee.

The great thing know is a after 6 months I no longer had to take diabetes medicine.

Good Luck on your journey.

Thanks, guy's for all the good info. I'm into my second week of recovery after my surgery and doing well. Down about 20 pounds! Since I'm on liquids right now I've quit my diabetes meds and blood sugars have been fine. Iknow I'll have to keep a close eye on it.

Looking forward to throwing most if not all prescriptions in the trash can. That brings to mind a question:

You fellows that are down significantly or are at goal weight, how many meds have you been able to give up?

I have been slowly reducing my BP dose (my cardio does not want to do too quickly). Hope to be off by end of year ?? I understand his caution and am patiently waiting for him to give go -ahead. The best pill reduction since I have dropped a bunch of weight - I no longer need to take advil/aleve anymore for my knees !! Literally have not taken any pain medication since February. Prior to surgery, often taking aleve up to 5 days a week.