I just read something interesting about PPIs and the effects on acid production and digestion. I haven't needed a PPI so I didn't take any. I don't have or have never had GERD. I do not trust most meds. There are more side effects than good with them.

One to look at in the short term is the lack of stomach acid to digest Proteins. You get little benefit unless they are digested properly.The long term effects are when you stop taking them the stomach produces even more acid than you did before you started taking them. Who wants to maintain that regimen for life?

http://www.health.ha...e-effects.shtml

I never had acid problems before surgery. In fact, most doctors thought I had TOO LITTLE acid production. But I wanted to be safe, so I took the daily Omeprazole after surgery. As soon as the doctor said it was "safe" to stop, I stopped. Never had any bad side effects coming off it until a few weeks later. I became less and less hungry, and I had a harder time eating and was eating too little. The suggestion was that I was making too much acid, which can make you feel more full. So I went back on it for a little while, and it did help me get back up to where I needed to be caloric-wise. Still, I don't like take more meds than I need, so I'm back off it again. Going to see how things go this time!!

How far out did most people stop taking them?I'm four months and stopped at two but felt sick so went back on them. I never had issues pre surgery.

I tried to stop at 3 months but reflux came back badly. I took them through the 6th month, then tapered them (1 pill every other day for a week, 1 pill every two days for a week, 1 pill every three days for a week) and then stopped. No problems since!

I was already on a daily Prilosec regimen before surgery. My surgeon warned me in advance that it would likely worsen afterwards. My reflux was completely controlled with one a day before being sleeved, but I had a difficult time with it during my first couple of months post op. My NP upped me to 2 per day and I haven't had any issues since. I don't want to stay on 2 per day forever, but am going to let it ride for now. The reflux was so bad that it kept me from sleeping some nights. I guess we'll see. My next appt is in July for my 6 month check up. I'll discuss some of these points with them then.

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I am on a PPI for 3 months.... And I flipping HATE it!!! Dr won't let me swallow the pill so I have to open the capsule and use a spoonful of pudding to swallow down the granules. AAAAAHHHHH!!!! Can't wait for the 3 months to be up!