Does Chewing my Synthroid Help with Absorption After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Question

Shawn Garber, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

There should be no problem with absorption of your synthroid after gastric bypass surgery.  There is still plenty of small intestine to absorb that small pill.  You should have your thyroid function tests checked regularly by your physician.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Chewing Synthroid (levothyroxine) is not recommended, even after gastric bypass surgery. Synthroid is designed to dissolve and be absorbed in a specific way once it reaches your digestive system. Altering its form by chewing could interfere with how the medication is absorbed and may result in inconsistent thyroid hormone levels.
After gastric bypass surgery, absorption of certain medications, including Synthroid, can be affected because of changes to your stomach and intestines. This is why it is especially important to take Synthroid correctly. It should be taken on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water, and at least 30-60 minutes before eating or taking other medications. This timing ensures that your body absorbs as much of the medication as possible.
If you’re concerned about absorption after surgery, speak with your healthcare provider. They may monitor your thyroid hormone levels more closely and adjust your dose if necessary. In some cases, alternative forms of levothyroxine, such as liquid or soft gel capsules, might be considered because they may be absorbed more easily after gastric bypass.

Ricardo M. Bonnor, MD, FACS · Answer

Chewing your synthroid medication should not make a difference in terms of absorption after a gastric bypass. For the first three to four weeks after the procedure it helps to crush your medication to facilitate digestion but after that time, chewing has little impact if any.

Does Chewing my Synthroid Help with Absorption After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

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Does Chewing my Synthroid Help with Absorption After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

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