Discharge Medications

 Note: Nexium, Prilosec, Aciphex or Prevacid are all acceptable substitutes.

Ursodiol (Actigall) to prevent gallstones and decrease indigestion from bile reflux.  Label: 300 mg. p.o. twice a day (Do not start until two weeks after surgery), Dispense: 60 tablets. Refills: Patient may have 3 Refills. (Note: You should take the Actigall as long as you are losing 10 lbs or more per month typically that is for 3-6 months.)

Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): Dispense: one bottle. Dose: 1 tablespoonful every 6 hours of the regular-strength suspension for 1-4 months following surgery.  Note: “NEW We now recommend 3-4 months of Pepto-Bismol following surgery.”

Warning: Most liquid vitamins are NOT recommended because of their low iron content.

Methylcellulose (Citrucel) Dose 1 teaspoon PO BID in 2 -3 oz. of liquid.  Citrucel is a synthetic bulk forming product dietary fiber, which has the ability to hold water and form bulk. We use it to 1-coat the lining of the new stomach pouch, 2-increase weight loss and 3-to normalize your bowel movements.  (Note: You may substitute Metamucil or its equivalent for the Citrucel if you wish)

Calcium Carbonate / Titralac™, Tums™ Antacid (Nonprescription) Dose: Chew 1 or 2 tablets every 4-8 hours while awake.  They can be taken with you other foods or liquids.  Tums can be started soon after the surgery and because of the risk of poor calcium absorption after the Mini-Gastric Bypass; you should consider taking some form of calcium supplement for the rest of your life.

The Following Medications are to filled ** Only if Needed **

Promethazine (Phenergan®) SIG: Dose: 25mg to 50mg ONLY TO BE TAKEN IF needed every 4-6 hrs. for nausea.  Phenergan is effective in the relief of nausea, and vomiting. It produces marked sedation in most patients. In general, gastrointestinal side effects are minimal. It is stronger than the Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).  Dispense # 20, Patient may have 3 refills.

Metoclopramide (Reglan) ONLY TO BE TAKEN IF needed for nausea.  It increases the movements or contractions of the stomach and intestines. Metoclopramide relieves symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and continued feeling of fullness after meals, and loss of appetite. Metoclopramide is also used, for a short time, to treat symptoms such as heartburn in patients who suffer esophageal injury from reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus.  Sig. Dose: Take ONLY as Needed 10 mg 30 minutes by mouth before meals and at bedtime prn. Dispense # 120, Patient may have 3 refills.

Non-Prescription Pain Medication for Mild to Moderate Pain: Tylenol® (Acetaminophen) Elixir. Dose: Tylenol® (Acetaminophen) Elixir (160 mg/ 5 ml) 1-3 tsp (160-480mg) every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. If your pain gets worse call your surgeon, the hospital or the Centers for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery. This is a potentially dangerous pain medication. Be careful about using this and all medicines, follow the instructions and do not allow others to use this medicine. You should take Tylenol cautiously and according to the instructions, as you would take any medication. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, call us at the the Centers for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery as soon as possible. Acetaminophen has been shown to induce hematologic changes and liver and renal dysfunction. The dose selected here is intentionally lower than usual to help avoid liver damage. You can purchase this at most any drug store. Dispense 1 bottle.

Maalox Plus Extra Strength Antacid that is to be taken if you develop indigestion or burning chest pains like indigestion.  Label: 1 teaspoon every 2 hours as needed to calm the discomfort of indigestion.  Dispense:  1 Bottle.  If you have to take more than a few doses call Dr. Rutledge and the Surgeons of the Centers for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery.