Patient Education Bariatric Surgery Patient Education | Page 11

Diabetes or High Blood Pressure Medication Monitoring
(Only for patients with diabetes or high blood pressure)
You will need to closely monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar
before taking every dose of your medication after surgery. If you
experience dizziness or have changes in your mental status, recheck your
blood pressure or blood sugar. Do not take your blood pressure medication
if your blood pressure is below 110/70. Call the doctor who prescribed the
medication for further instructions. Do not take your diabetes medication if
your blood glucose is below 80. Instead, call the doctor who prescribed the
medication for further instructions.
Taking Medication
You will not be able to swallow anything bigger than an M&M candy after
surgery unless it is a gelcap or capsule. Some medications may need to be
split. Certain medications, such as extended release, sustained release or
enteric coated, cannot be cut, so you may need to contact your pharmacist
or doctor about how best to take these. Only take one medication every
10-15 minutes.
Medications you will likely be prescribed for home include:
• Pain medication, which is taken as needed.
• Anti-nausea medication, which is taken as needed.
• Medication to prevent ulcers, which is taken for 3 months.
• Medication to prevent gallstones (if you have a gallbladder), which is
taken for 6 months.
• Blood clot prevention medication, which is taken for 30 days.
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