I am 2 weeks pot op and am taking my Protonix (sp) everyday. But, I have not had the first sign of gas, reflux, or heartburn. How many we're able to stop taking it after the first month? Or, am I really going to need it when I start getting into solid foods?

What's your experience...,

i was told to take it for 4 months

I didn't have any acid problems before introducing solids. For many the stomach makes more acid the more solid foods you consume. I just take an OTC prevacid that works well for me at 4 months out.

I am still taking Protonix and I am past 3 years. I have tried to go off of it and it was no fun. I was off of it for 6 months and had horrible heartburn and acid problems the entire time. I thought it would go away, but it never did. I decided to start taking it every other day, and that works fine. I can sure tell when it's time to take one though.

Yep, everyone is different but no way would I get off it that early. I was able to get off of my PPI (omeprazole) sometime between 3-4 months out, but many more people need it six months. And yes, a few need it permanently. In my opinion, it's a small price to pay for overall better health.

Even once you're off it, I think we're more prone to acid problems later. I never had much of a problem prior to surgery but since surgery if I'm stressed out I definitely have a problem with acid and need to get back on pills for a few days. Now that I'm pregnant it's a real issue and I'm back on a prescription for the time being.

Again, it's a nuisance but a small price to pay overall. I'd wait at least three months and if you feel okay, skip a day between doses. If that gives you no issue, skip two days, and so on, until you're absolutely certain you have no problems without the PPI. You aren't even on "real" food yet, so I'd definitely wait until you're fully healed and eating a regular diet.

Honestly, I am amazed and appalled at the number of sleevers living lower quality of life with constant heartburn and reflux because they don't take a PPI, either because their doctor never brought it up or because they didn't do any research. I'm glad you have one and are prepared, because life can be really miserable with acid reflux. It's a simple, relatively inexpensive solution to a real problem.

Best of luck, glad you're doing so well at one month out!

~Cheri

Liquid Zantac and a little dissolvable Prevacid tablet did the trick for me! I had horrible acid reflux after surgery, and will be happy to take these meds (even as nasty as the Zantac tastes!), if it means I don't have to experience acid reflux again!!! Best of luck to you!

Thanks for the info to all. I am doing really well for 2 weeks out. I have zero pain, soreness, discomfort, or nags.

I have no issue taking the PPI everyday. My indicator of success through this journey is measured by the lessening of meds I have to take. (BP and Diabetic)

I guess I'm getting a little anxious here. I'll give it a couple of months before I try without it.

I am 9weeks out, haven't had anything for acid except zantac150. And then I only took those twice.

I am 9weeks out, haven't had anything for acid except zantac150. And then I only took those twice.

You're lucky. It's miserable when it's not controlled.

I am three years out and if I don't take a Prilosec first thing when I wake up, within two hours I am absolutely miserable with the acid.

Sent from my iPad using VST

I am three years out and if I don't take a Prilosec first thing when I wake up' date=' within two hours I am absolutely miserable with the acid.

Sent from my iPad using VST[/quote']

This is good to know .... At 3 years!

I'm not going to worry about taking it for a while- it makes my life SO much better!