I’m almost 3 months post op. I started taking the multivitamin capsules about 2 weeks post op. I just recently switched over to a calcium tablet about 3 weeks ago. Haven’t had any issues.
Capsules, which are made of some kind of gel that hardens to be a receptacle for a therapeutic powder or liquid, were contraindicated for me. I was told the stomach no longer made enough acid to break the material down. Same with the enteric coating on tablets, which is the mechanism manufacturers use to describe the contents as "timed release, or "sustained" or "slow." The amount of the contents absorbed into the stomach and small intestine can be drastically affected. That's why dietitians and surgeons generally advise using chewables or liquids post-op.
I was taking these huge fish oil caps coated in thick gel. To make certain I got the benefit, I would hold them in my cheeks until they softened enough that I could taste the fish oil (UGH!), then I'd wash them down with plenty of water so they'd continue to dissolve in my stomach.
I also crushed (when appropriate) tabs and sometimes mixed the contents in a spoonful of yogurt or thinned honey to get hem down without barfing!
Over time i managed to locate the best possible, most easily digested supplements and take them in four doses a day, along with required prescriptions. My doctor is aware of my needs and prescribes the best form of meds to help me easily digest them.
My metabolic panels are always super, which makes me proud and happy. My joy offsets any inconvenience. And Job One is to avoid malnutrition, which is a major concern post-operatively.
The trade-off is completely worth it.
