Benzodiazepine and Gastric bypass

Dear Ask The Doctor: I had gastric bypass and I am having drugs stay longer in my system. I was on a benzodazepine and after 30 days it is still in my system. How is that possible? do people have to change their medication dosage or dosing frequencies because of gastric bypass surgery?

Dear Ally: You have not stated which benzodiazepine you took. However, there are some benzodiazepines that take sveral weeks to completely eliminated from the body. Gastric Bypass surgery does not affect the elimination of drugs from the body. Liver disease and kidney disease can affect how certain drugs are removed. Persons who have such diseases need to have their medications adjusted.