lap-band & metformin

[ton1lynn]

Hi all,

I am very new to the board and apologize if I am repeating something but I need a little help.

I had lap-band surgery two years ago and have a terrible time trying to get down the gigantic Metformin's that I have just started taking this week. It is my first time on any meds for my pcos other than birth control, which I will d/c at the end of the month due to ongoing negative side effects.

So, here is my actual question: do any of you have a suggestion for getting down the huge pill when you have a lap-band? Right now I am just swallowing and keeping my fingers crossed. I haven't had one completely refuse to go down but I have had a little sliming and a few close calls. I REALLY don't wanna have to pick one up out of the sink and take it again (eeeeewwwweee!!!!!).

Thanks in advance!
Toni in Memphis

[LCHAVEZ]

Hello!
I have the lap-bad also - two years now. I ask for the perscription to be filled in the 500mg pills (they are smaller) and then I cut them in 1/2 (pharmacist said it was fine) and I take them with HOT tea or coffee. I've always got them down - even when I was real tight.
Good Luck!
Lisa

[ton1lynn]

Cool! Thanks I will try that. :)

[Tish]

One little extra note about cutting them in half:

The extended-release "Glucophage XR" or "Metformin ER" should NOT be cut in half. I once took a broken pill & it made me so sick to my tummy! The pharmacist said that it needs it's whole coating intact in order to facilitate the extended-release function. It's different than the regular (non-extended-release) Met. in that regard.

They are big pills, aren't they? Gag!

Good luck!!

:) Tish