I've had my band since August of 2006. Lost 112 lbs and just had a tummy tuck and breast lift. So I'm pretty far along in my journey. still would like to lose about 25 lbs, but if it doesn't happen, I'm ok with that too as I look and feel 1000 times better than before the surgery.

But, here's my question. Has anyone else had problems with medications not working since being banded? For instance, I get migraines and could not find a med that actually works for me. Finally my dr realized it could be that the meds were sitting in my pouch so long it took hours before I could get any relief because they weren't traveling through my ssystem normally because of the band. She prescribed one that melts under my tongue and it works so much better.

Now, my plastic surgeon prescribed Ambien because I haven't been able to sleep since my tt. For the last two nights I've taken it at about 9 o'clock. Felt no effects till after midnight. It's not the extended release tablet, so next time I think I'll try crushing it and see if it works faster. I had the same problem with the dilaudid pill I had after the tt. Did squat for pain relief when I switched from the injected med in the hospital to the pill at home.

Has anyone else had these problems with meds after being banded? It's a small price to pay, but just wondered how common it was to have problems with the effectiveness of meds.

Thanks!

I don't take a lot of meds, just supplements and Vitamins, so I wouldn't realize if they were sitting there. Be careful and ask you pharmacist before you crush the ambien or anything else.

CONGRATULATIONS on all of your success!!!! Have you posted before and after pics? You are certainly an inspiration to me.:thumbup:

So keep in mind the delayed reaction you'll get because of the band.

You take the pill. It will sit in your pouch for a LONG time before dissolving and taking effect.

This is my guess. I know I have to wait until my band lets stuff through before I feel it.

I have to drink quite a bit of water after mine and stagger taking them. I used to take a handful of vitamins at once and all of my meds. Now I hate taking anything as they do go down hard and seem to sit there. My pain pills do seem to work within 30 or 40 minutes usually. I take topomax for nerve pain. They are very small and it just happens that they have stopped my migraines almost completely. They don't do much for nerve pain, but I will continue taking them for the migraine benefit and they are so small I don't mind taking them

I had to switch to smaller petite size calcium pills, I take chewable multiples, rapid release tylenol that melts faster, and I melt my Omega 3 horse pills in my hot coffee in the morning. I remove the glycerin casing remains and sip the oil off the top. Gross, I know, but only the first sip is horrible. My thyroid and BP medication is small enough not to cause a problem.

I take Ambien as well and I have had no problems with it at all.

maybe it would help to drink a warm beverage, like a calming tea with it to help dissolve it and push it through the pouch into your stomach.

i had to go off all extended release meds post surgery because to get the pills to go down I have to split them in half (some in quarters). I can't handle them crushed--way too nasty. Check with your pharmacist first but the pill spliter costs about $5-$7 and is very worth it. I have one on my bedtable, one at work and one in my purse since I now have to take them several times a day. Good luck!

I also take meds on an empty stomach with a large hot beverage. It really seems to keep it moving.