Hi, I am a 33 year old disabled woman and my BMI is 37% I have GERD, Migraines, IBS, high choleserol, PTSD and more. I am currently looking into this surgery as a hopeful fix to some of my problems. I feel like I'm 66 with all the meds I take, so my question is can you still take alot of medication (pills) when your stomach is the size of your thumb? and does medicare ever pay for a lapband of someone less than 40% that doesn't have diabetes or high blood pressure?Thanks for your time.

I can't answer the Medicare question but as far as meds go.... In the first couple of weeks after surgery, there is a good bit of swelling and it can be tough to swallow much of anything .... part of the reason for the post-op liquid diet. Most meds can be crushed but your pharmacist can tell you which ones can't. A good many meds are available in liquid form. Most of us discovered that once we were back to solid foods we could swallow pills but just 1 at a time.

Starting the day of surgery, I am off all my medications. I was Type II diabetic, had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and was taking an anti-depressant because my doctor felt that an anti-depressant was an important part of treating Type II Diabetes. But if you've ever taken a Calcium supplement you know they have a good size to them and I can swallow those with no problem.

I take about 20 pills a day (most of them vitamins/supplements) and I have absolutely no problem, nor have I ever since the day after surgery when I took the ones that didn't require they be taken with food. Not all are as lucky but go over your meds (take them in if they are especially large) with your surgeon and he can guide you. (take them to the seminar if necessary! A good doc will go over them with you)

My potassium pills are HUGE. They go down fine.And I'm at my sweet spot.