Five Weeks Since The Sleeve And Heartburn Hell

[Missileer 3]

I was 335 and climbing. 6'2", and wide bodied. I retired from the Air Force in 94 with a broken back (unbeknownst to me). Each year since getting out, I gained more and more. I went through the Phen/Fen program and lost 40 pounds, only to have the docs take the meds back.

I did Nutrasystem twice, but I swear the only reason you lose weight is you have to force yourself to eat it! Weight watchers didn't help much as it was more female focused, rather than masculine.

I worked in a psych hospital pulling 90+ weeks and boy did the stress drive up the weight. When I left there I was over 350, but luckily I worked hard at loosing 35 pounds, only to put it back on six months later. My doctor advised bariatric and I blew her off, since I felt I could control it myself (great fantasy there).

In October, I read a research study linking Alzheimers with obesity. The study indicated adults over 60 who were obese had a 50% greater chance of developing early onset Alzheimers, which is what my parents died from. I didn't want to go that way, and thus the search for a doctor began. I ended up going to the "Lapband" website and it directed me to a small local hospital. However, after going through the lecture, I realize that wasn't for me. I ended up at another local hospital that is a Bariatric Center of Excellence and couldn't have been happier...with the exception of horrible heartburn. It's been 30 days since the surgery, and I had no problems until two weeks ago when I started the puree foods. I rarely get sick to my stomach, but since then it's been a regular event. And the Prilosec they gave me makes me what to ralph all on it's own.

I've lost 35 pounds in one month, but the heartburn has been difficult. I can't sleep at night, unless I'm in my recliner, as the reflux is annoying and keeps me up at night. The chair minimizes the reflux, but it is still prominant.

My wife is going through with it next week, and I have been the test bunny for her adventure. If any of you have suggestions to minimize the heartburn, please give me a hint. I don't eat more than 2 tbs of anything and very slowly, but the pain is immediate. Some foods I have no problems with (tuna, salmon, and ground turkey), while others are impossible (lean lunchmeat, prilosec, eggs). Not that I don't mind tuna, or salmon, just not everyday.

Another issue I'm having is Constipation. I have IBS, so that has always been problematic, but now it's epidemic. Are any of you in similar predicaments and if so, what are you're solutions?

[Liliana Arleen 173]

Maybe you need to talk to your surgeon about switching your anti reflux medicine? Nexium works well for me. As for the Constipation is a problem that I still having at almost 3 months post. Is hard to get all your Water in. Have you try Miralax? My dr prescribed miralax is like benefiber but better,is a white odorless powder with no flavor that you can add to your Protein Shakes or juice.< /p>

A lot people taste buds change after surgery,some people don't tolerate eggs at all. Maybe you need to make them softer? I hope that you feel better soon

[clk 3,519]

Congrats on choosing the sleeve! It will certainly improve your life once you can get past this rough patch.

If you're not on a PPI, you should be. And if you are on one, it sounds like it's not working and you need a new one. I started on Nexium and it wasn't working for me so I switched to Prevacid (OTC). That wasn't working, either, so I finally wound up on Prilosec (generic omeprazole) and the relief was almost immediate. I had the same issues you're describing and it was terribly uncomfortable. The good news is that somewhere between 6-8 months post op I was able to stop taking the acid reducer and the reflux/heartburn resolved on their own. I hope you have the same results.

I had a lot of problems in the beginning with my bowels. TMI, but hey, you're asking, right? At first I had nothing like a normal movement. Turns out I had lactose intolerance. Once I cut out the dairy, I couldn't go at all. I've found that two things work like magic: either a cup of coffee each morning or a dose of Miralax every other day does the trick. I buy the generic version of Miralax, too, because it's a lot cheaper. Now that I'm 19 months out this is not an issue at all because my capacity has increased and I can eat natural sources of Fiber along with my Protein.

Good luck. You're having great results so far, and I hope that once you get these two minor issues resolved you can keep on going until you reach your goals. I can't wait until your wife can join you on this journey. You guys are going to live longer, happier, healthier lives together and there's nothing in the world better than that.

Best wishes to both of you,

~Cheri

[Writergirl 230]

I've also struggled with acid, even before the surgery. I'm on Prilosec, and it wasn't doing the trick. It felt like I had a cauldron of boiling acid in my stomach! I called my doctor, and he told me I could add two Zantac at night, in addition to taking the Prilosec in the morning. I've found it best to take the Prilosec with my first bottle of Water in the morning, on an empty stomach, and if I'm having a bad day, I take the Zantac before my evening meal. If Prilosec makes you sick, take it with plenty of water, or even a teaspoon or two of Peanut Butter. He also told me I could take Malox. So in addition to the other stuff, if I really need it, a couple of times a day I'll have a very small amount of Malox. This regimen has helped me A LOT. The other thing that sounds crazy but has always helped me, is mint Mentos! Tonight I felt really sick after I ate dinner and I had two of them and almost immediately felt better. The mint really calms my stomach. I wish you luck! The acid is really hard to live with.

[Missileer 3]

Thank you both. I am getting horribly nautious from the Prilosec, but when I told the bariatrician she blew me off. She told me it was in my head! The doctor recommended Zantac 30 minutes before meals and that has been a blessing. He still requires me to take the Prilosec, but with you're advice, I will take it with Peanut Butter.< /p>

[Writergirl 230]

It's worth a try with the Peanut Butter. I have found PB to be really soothing. It goes down well and coats my stomach nicely. I hope you feel better!

[BunnyLove 28]

You might want to ask your doctor about Protonix. It's a prescription (there's a generic, don't recall the name), and you can take either one or two pills per day. It's really effective for people with severe GERD, and if nothing else works for you, this may help you find your way back to sleeping in your bed.

Seriously, though, if the acid is preventing you from eating your daily allotment of Protein, you need something to get it under control quickly. I love your use of the phrase "test bunny" - your wife will surely appreciate everything you're going through, and you're definitely going to make her journey easier! Good luck, Missileer. This is really worth all the things you go through in the early days.

[Missileer 3]

Thank you for your suggestions. I was able to sleep the entire night in bed last night, and didn't wake up once. I think I'm getting past it. I'm okay with prilosec using the suggestion of another lady of taking it with Peanut Butter. I can't explain why it works, but it does.

I'm down 41#'s today and thrilled. I can't wait to change my profile pic.

[Writergirl 230]

I'm so glad the Peanut Butter worked for you and that you were able to sleep all night! And congrats on your 41 pounds!