Hello, and questions about Foam and Acid!

[PhotoSteve 0]

:ohmy: Hi everyone!

My name is Steve and I am 4 1/2 weeks post-op VSG. I have lost (as of Monday) 36.5 lbs and for the most part am doing well.

Here is my story:

I have been having problems with, what I like to call, "Cappuccino foam" and acid.

I was progressing well, and had ever started exploring some soft, but more solid foods last weekend with terrible results. Nausea and vomiting. After a couple attempts, I backed off back to puree, but am still having problems with the foam issue.

Let me back up a second as well. My doctor prescribed me liquid Zantac for the acid, but my problem was that late in the day and early morning I was having huge acid explosions and was basically being burned up from the inside. My remedy for that was to start weening myself off the Zantac to allow my stomach to begin regulating its own acid production, which worked for a few days, with the exception of some late-night acid reflux. The flip side was that my foam had backed off to almost nothing. Well, the late-night acid was starting to be a drag so I started taking the Zantac at night only which helped, but (in retrospect) threw my body into a tizzy.

That was about the time I was 4 days from solids and started experimenting, because I wasn't connecting some of my problems with the Zantac to the food. In any event, my stomach has been very touchy since last Friday, and when I saw my doctor on Monday, he was irritated and assigned me two more weeks of puree and Zantac three times a day to combat the in-between acid. I am sticking to the plan, but now the Zantac is giving me copious ammounts of foam, enough to start my own Starbucks.

I am having to drink hot tea before every meal, just to get puree down.

Here are my two questions:

1) Are there any tricks other than hot tea and ice chips to knock down the foam or stop/slow production?

2) How long does the acid overproduction last, and how long is typical to stay on antacid?

[MacMadame 81]

You really need to be on a PPI and not Zantac. So something like prilosec or Nexium or Prevacid.

Most surgeons put you on them for at least a month up to six months. It takes a while for your brain to get the idea that it doesn't need to produce so much acid and you'll be miserable during that time if you aren't on a PPI. Things like Zantac and Pepcid AC work differently and therefore usually aren't enough.

[Malaika 50]

Welcome Steve -- sorry you're having such issues - that bites!

[Oregondaisy 2,020]

I take Protonix. It comes in generic and it works great.

[*susan* 1,709]

Hey, Steve! Welcome to VST. I agree with Mac, Zantac won't touch your acid problems. Either Nexium or Prilosec work best. I am taking OTC Prilosec and it works great.

[DownInSocal 12]

Sounds yummy......

I have not had surgery yet but none of this sounds ok to continue. You can burn your esophagus and cause bleeding and sores to form. Also I don't think throwing up is good for your new tummy. I am affraid you are going to get a leak.

Does your doctor understand the amount of reflux your having. You need something more than Zantac. Call your doctor and insist on some help. Keep us posted!

[BobBayCityMI 111]

I was put on Prilosec immediately. A melt in my mouth kind of pill. I will be on it for a year. What you have going on sounds really icky. Hope you can find a remedy.

[PhotoSteve 0]

I want to thank everyone for your warm welcome and all of your shared wisdom!

I am researching as we speak and will be contacting my doctor later this morning!

By the way, I tried that baked ricotta recipe I saw on another thread last night. It was the best thing I have had since I have been on mushies!

[Ruthi 60]

Hey Steve, where in LA are you?

Just curious, I am here too.

[PhotoSteve 0]

Hey Steve, where in LA are you?

Just curious, I am here too.

San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena area. Where are you?

[PhotoSteve 0]

Just an update:

I called my doctor and gave them an earful. They are calling in a Protonix prescription as we speak! Yay!

[Malaika 50]

Just an update:

I called my doctor and gave them an earful. They are calling in a Protonix prescription as we speak! Yay!

That's GREAT hopefully it will eliminate your acid reflux issues - having had surgery and then having to have that on top of it is horrible. Here's to feeling better soon!

[Ruthi 60]

Just up the road in Santa Clarita

San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena area. Where are you?

[Ky.hen 5]

Welcome Steve

I hope that you are feeling better with your new meds.

[Oregondaisy 2,020]

Protonix is great. It's nice and tiny and easy to swallow. I never have acid problems.