Lap-Band, a bariatric surgical technique, helps people lose weight. Surgeons insert the Lap-Band system device into the stomach. This device reduces the stomach's size, thereby limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at any given time. After surgery, patients need to follow a strict liquid diet. This diet affects what and how medications can be taken. Adjustments may need to be made so that medications maintain their desired effect and do not lead to complications. (See References 1, 2 and 3)
Step 1
Obtain your doctor's approval before taking any post-operative medications. Recommendations about how and which medications you can take will vary based on your individual needs. (See References 1, 2 and 3)
Step 2
Take the medication in another form if available. Other forms include liquid, chewable, injections or topical creams. (See References 1 and 2)
Step 3
Crush pills larger than the size of an aspirin into a powder before taking or dissolve in water. Alternatively, you can cut pills in half before taking. (See References 2 and 3)
Step 4
Take capsules as normal. Capsules differ from pills in that they have an outer shell which can be pulled apart. Capsules are designed to dissolve easily. (See References 2)
Step 5
Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers and diuretics. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers are linked to ulcers in lap band patients. Diuretics can lead to potassium deficiencies. (See References 2)
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