I'm just about 5 years out. If I skip my Nexium for 1 day I get SEVERE heart burn that has me doubled over. I need to take like 5 Zantacs to feel better or drink lots of Pepto. Has anyone been able to get off the PPIs???? I hate taking them!!

thanks,

Patti

Some people never even have to start on PPIs post-op. It's definitely different for everyone. I take two Prilosec OTC daily (one in the morning and one before bed) at 11 months post-op. If I miss one, I notice it. It's unfortunate and I still kind of hope I can eventually cut back to one a day, but I think it's a small price to pay in the long run. While PPIs can have long term side effects and health risks, I think they probably pale in comparison to all the health risks I had being 100+ pounds overweight!

Ouch! I still take mine but I'm only 9 months out. I did forget my prescription while on vacation for 5 days but I did Ok so who knows, I'm still going to take them though sounds like they are going to be a part of your life or maybe you can adjust what your eating? Maybe it's something you eat that causes it?@@pattimomof3nj

I am 3 years out and if I miss one day of Prilosec, I am in trouble within about 2 hours of when I usually take it. The heartburn is awful. My sister had the surgery 3 weeks before me and she is able to go off her Prilosec for months at a time then the heartburn starts and she goes back on for a few weeks. It is definately very individualized but I know that I will probably just have to be on them forever. The good news is my surgeon prescribes them so my insurance pays 100%.

I've taken 40 milligrams of Ranitidine twice a day for years. No biggie.

Then after surgery, my surgeon prescribed a PPI (Protonix) for 3 months only. I got a refill and kept taking them (felt I still needed the stronger treatment, even though by then I'd learned that it's not advisable to take them long-term -- their possible effects with regard to osteoporosis, etc.).

Then 4-5 months post-op, my bariatric PA and I agreed that I should phase back into my old Ranitidine regimen. And I did. And it works pretty well.

Only once (about 6 weeks ago) I had a bad reflux flare-up (my own fault -- I ate like an idiot one day -- don't ask) and spent the next week on Protonix again. But in a week I was able to go back to Ranitidine.

I have come to accept that I have to avoid the GERD-inducing foods and drinks. Or at least I can't eat ALL the GERD-inducing foods at the same time.

And I don't eat anything within 2 hours of going to bed. That is the most important GERD rule of all.

P.S. For sleevers who think they can go back to carbonated sodas, be forewarned: Even when the bubbles are dissipated, the acidic nature of the soda is just hell on your GERD. Either don't do it -- or run your own little science experiment on yourself and see how that goes.

So VSGAnn2014.... I know that I have started back on the Coke again recently... but even before then when I stopped the PPI, it was horrible. I'm going to stop the Coke, but honestly, I only drink like 1 a week with my Jack in it.... my only vice. Some people like wine, beer, etc, I like Jack! As far as food goes, I pretty much eat bland boring non-GERD foods, except for my coffee.

I guess I'm just going to be one of those life time PPI takers!!

my mom had her lap ban done in 2007 and to this day she still prescribe protonix. so i guess i might be in the same bote because i was also prescribe that too.

best if luck.

Whoa Nelly!! That's a lot of Zantac! Lol

What does your surgeon say?

I've read if people start getting a lot of heart burn there more likely to have a revision of some sort? Not sure, it's just what I heard

I know that is a lot of Zantac.... that is why i'm so worried at this point... it doesn't seem to be helping anymore. I had my surgery done in Mexico by Dr. Aceves, I think it is time to contact his office, or find a local surgeon here in GA. I recently re-located here so I think I would need to do that anyway, my PCP seems to be clueless about WLS. I'm just hoping that it is something simple, that is fixable without surgery. Thanks for all your help!!

I am not familiar with the post-op follow ups with the Mexico surgeons, but seems like you may benefit from a local Bariatric surgeon that's credible. Sounds like your suffering way more than you have to.

Im sure there are lots of people from GA on here who can recommend a few good ones.

Good luck