sherry7

Prescription potassium also comes in a powdered version that you mix with water. The problem is, it fizzes up like Alka-Seltzer, so it's tough on the pouch after surgery. I tried it, but ended up going back to the big horse pills.

Double check with the pharmacist to see if you can split the potassium pills. With the brand I take, it's not recommended.

Honestly, don't count on getting your potassium completely under control. The surgery is going to complicate the matter because you're not able to eat as much. I fully expect to have to take prescription potassium for the rest of my life.

__________________
Sherry

Counting down to May 25, 2010...baby boy or baby girl? Such an awesome 2nd surgiversary present!

What did YOU eat today? Join your fellow TT'ers by posting at: http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/gb-...day-today.html

Lap RNY -05/29/08

274 orientation/253 day of surgery/151 current/149 goal
Total pounds gone forever - 122

courtneyc

Hi. I am four weeks post-op and my doctor has me on a potassium effervesent tablet that you drop in 4 oz of water. Have they put you on any supplements? I just received a small lecture tonight about the importance of taking this tablet so I don't have to go into the hospital. Perhaps you can ask him/her about it? The box is:

K EFFERVESCENT TABLETS 25 mEq potassium (977 mg)
Orange flavored.

If they do prescribe it, I suggest you mix it with orange flavored Crystal Light as the flavor is a little unpleasent.

__________________
It's never too late to be what you might have been.

determination

Hi CourtneyC!

I appreciate your info!

I have found out today that my need for potassium will NOT hold me up for surgery which is great! As long as I STAY on the medication and follow up with a GI doctor. (They want to rule out Celiac).

The internist said that the only difference with my surgery would be my diet if I have celiac. It would be a whole nother ballgame...

I was wondering how I would beable to get that HUGE horse pill down so I appreciate you reccomending the potassium as a liquid!

Have you always been on a potassium suppliment? Pre Surg? Or did was it just needed after surgery..
Again, I appreciate your help!

courtneyc

Hi. I just started taking the potassium after my surgery. The doctor says I need it for four months. God luck! I'm glad it won't hold up your surgery!

__________________
It's never too late to be what you might have been.

cathy82

After a strokelike event in January 2006 I was in the hospital for a week. They gave me a potassium IV in the emergency room and then a couple of more times during my stay. Initially it hurt terribly. When I complained another nurse looked at my IV and adjusted the rate of input. Apparently it is easy to set it incorrectly. After that it did not hurt at all. If any of you need it again be sure to ask about the IV rate and that an experienced person gives it to you. I am sorry so many have had it hurt because based on my experience I don't think it should! Obviously the best thing is to control levels with supplements but keep this in mind if you end up with an IV.