Surgery Prep with medications

BloomWhereYouArePlanted

I am in the process of getting my insurance approval for Lapband surgery in February. I will need to address my medications with my psychiatrist at my next appointment. How did you go about weaning down from your medications for the few weeks post op that you cannot swallow pills?

sinderstorm

My doc had me go into surgery without weaning medications. Many meds do have a liquid form if the pill isn't small enough to be swallowed in the early stages. Also, many weight related meds are cut back if not cut out before you leave the hospital. I would call your psychiatrist and specifically ask about liquid or even sub-lingual (dissolves under the tongue) versions of your medications. It may have to be ordered by your pharmacy, but I think they do exist for most medications these days.

Tawnykakers1

sinderstorm wrote: »

My doc had me go into surgery without weaning medications. Many meds do have a liquid form if the pill isn't small enough to be swallowed in the early stages. Also, many weight related meds are cut back if not cut out before you leave the hospital. I would call your psychiatrist and specifically ask about liquid or even sub-lingual (dissolves under the tongue) versions of your medications. It may have to be ordered by your pharmacy, but I think they do exist for most medications these days.

Great advice! I had the sleeve I was able to take my blood pressure medication up to the day before surgery and after. It was a small pill and I had no problems with it. I would have to say it is all up to the size and effects to your stomach. My pepcid after surgery was also pill form. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Inform your doctors and let them work it out.

ki4eld

I had RNY and was back to taking my standard pills the second day after my barium test the morning after surgery. There were simply no alternatives, so my doctors worked together to ensure that I could take them.

BloomWhereYouArePlanted

Thank you for the advice. I appreciate the information about liquid form. I didn't even think of that.

gdnplnty

I take a lot of pills, and they did not have me wean or change them other than spacing them out a bit more instead of taking them all together.

cmchandler74

I also was taken off my meds during my clear liquids stage, but I was really only taking Metformin at the time. Liquid meds are fantastic but can be really expensive depending on your insurance coverage (my prescription coverage is not ideal). A simple and cheap alternative is a pill crusher, which my surgeon actually gave me (you'll need it post-op anyway). Basically, it just lets you crush your pills into powder and mix with the liquid of your choice.

bcedl1982

Please do not reduce any medications without checking with your physician. Certain pills can be crushed & mixed with a teaspoon or two of water or juice. Tastes terrible, but it's a way to get the medicine down!