Hi all! Four days post-op here, and, with one relatively minor exception, everything is going wonderfully. I've have almost no pain, and no need for pain meds except for the moment I awoke in the recovery room. Generally feeling good, able to do more each day, up and about, etc.

Here's the one problem. My surgeon put me on 40 mg Protonix for acid, and it generally has worked well. I take it when I wake up. However, I've been finding the last few days that I have some reflux before I am fully awake -- when I'm lying in bed coming to. I would call it "moderate" (maybe sometimes moderate-to-severe). Once I take the pill and let it take effect, it seems to calm down. But I wondered whether any of you have dealt with this, and whether you've supplemented Protonix (or similar) with any OTC medication or other remedies?

Hope you're all doing well! Thanks very much!

You could try taking it before bed instead of in the morning. Or you could do what I do, which is get the 20mg OTC dosage (I take omeprazole, not protonix, so not sure if this is an option for you) and take 20mg in the morning and 20mg before bed.

Edited June 2, 201511 yr by JamieLogical

I had to double up on the omeparzole form 40 mg 1xday (tried taking it at night but it just wasn't enough), to 2xday. Now I only have issues when I do red wine, or REALLY bad food.

I was a GERD sufferer prior to surgery and my gastroenterologist recommended raising the head of the bed like 6 inches. sleeping up on pillows apparently does not work.

I would try taking meds at night.

I was on Nexium prior to surgery and for the first 3 months after surgery. A different medication may work better for you or going to twice a day.