I am told I need to take mine for 5 months, how about you?

Proton pump inhibitors can have some serious consequences long term such as stomach cancer and malabsorption especially b12. Before my bypass I was on protonix for about 18 months and the dr recommended I stay on it. After I discovered these potential side affects I stopped taking them. I had 48 colon polyps before my rny and the dr has no idea why even after pathology and genetic testing. Not sure if this may be a contributing factor but I do know that the decrease in stomach acids increases the chance of cdiff/ h pylori and other bad stomach bacteria causing diarrhea and stomach problems. I'm not saying stop taking anything for gerd, just be aware of long term consequences. Drs do not know everything. They are specialized in what they do. Ultimately it's your body and you have to live with your decisions.

Proton pump inhibitors can have some serious consequences long term such as stomach cancer and malabsorption especially b12. Before my bypass I was on protonix for about 18 months and the dr recommended I stay on it. After I discovered these potential side affects I stopped taking them. I had 48 colon polyps before my rny and the dr has no idea why even after pathology and genetic testing. Not sure if this may be a contributing factor but I do know that the decrease in stomach acids increases the chance of cdiff/ h pylori and other bad stomach bacteria causing diarrhea and stomach problems. I'm not saying stop taking anything for gerd, just be aware of long term consequences. Drs do not know everything. They are specialized in what they do. Ultimately it's your body and you have to live with your decisions.

One of my surgeons (dr. Martinez) explained the risks of long term PPI's....pretty much everything stated above. He wanted me off of them after the mandatory 2 months, if they werent absolutely necessary. Luckily I have not had long term reflux. I did get C diff 6 weeks after VSG....but infection mostly came from my high risk exposure in the veterinary field and antibiotics for a tooth infection, but GI surgery and PPI's are also risk factors, so I was essentially set up for a "perfect storm".

My doctor said I needed to take it for at least 6-9 months. I was also told (4 weeks post op) to start taking a probiotic which he suggests I take for the rest of my life.

My surgeon said to take it for life. Just like no carbonation, no alcohol, no straws and no caffeine for life.

I only had to take the PPI for 3 months then the doctor said to pouch should be healed enough. That as long as I ate what I was supposed to & paid attention to my body I shouldn't ever need them again.

I take it now pre-op, but I am supposed to take it for six months after.

I love seeing how many different opinions there are out there on almost everything regarding our surgeries.

For Prilosec, I was told 20mg twice a day for 3 months, and then I'd be dropped to once a day. I was taking one a day before surgery for acid reflux, but it was because of a side effect of another medication (byetta). Since I no longer take that, I don't really think I need it after the 3 month period. I'm going to talk to them about it at me 3 month checkup.

And for straws, I went through all my pre-op classes and got the impression that I was to never use one again. But after reading how so many people online use one, I emailed my nutritionist, and she told me that it would be fine. I'm glad, because I found it much easier to get all my Water in with it.

I was not instructed to take it at all. Weird. Going to call doctor about this. Are you all taking it crushed? Ugh.