Heartburn

[NewNewMe 277]

I am almost six months post op and have recently been getting a lot of heartburn. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat, just eating anything in general will bring it on. Does anyone else have this issue? Is it ok to take Nexium or something like that?

[NoMoBand 278]

I've had heartburn from get go. Mine is so bad that any flavored Water will cause it. My doc told me to take Pepcid AD initially and it worked, but, only for hours at a time. I tried the Nexium 24 hour and it works amazing. I called my doctor and he said that the Nexium is ok. I also asked the doc why this is occuring and his response is because our stomachs are still producing acids like before it's original size and takes 6 - 12 months to adjust to the smaller size, in most cases. Some stomachs adjust shortly after surgery, but, ours are the stubborn ones. jake

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Yes you can take an OTC PPI like nexium or prilosec (omeprazole). Keep in mind it's not a reactive drug, it needs to be n your system to work effectively. It may take up to 5 days before you really feel any relief. Start with 40mgs and see how that works. Pay attention to the time of day you feel the acid the most and take the meds 2 -3 hours before hand. If after 2 weeks you don;t feel any relief, call your doctor.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I've had heartburn from get go. Mine is so bad that any flavored Water will cause it. My doc told me to take Pepcid AD initially and it worked, but, only for hours at a time. I tried the Nexium 24 hour and it works amazing. I called my doctor and he said that the Nexium is ok. I also asked the doc why this is occuring and his response is because our stomachs are still producing acids like before it's original size and takes 6 - 12 months to adjust to the smaller size, in most cases. Some stomachs adjust shortly after surgery, but, ours are the stubborn ones. jake

My doctor prescribed omeprazole from day 1 post -op for this very reason. He says he prefers to prevent his pts. having any discomfort or issues that could impact healing so he puts them on a 90 day course of it.

[NewNewMe 277]

Thanks all! I will be picking up some Nexium today!

[NewNewMe 277]

Took my first 24 hour Nexium last night and I already feel so much better. Thanks again for advice!

[jenna777 4]

I hope it gets better for you! I am 7 months post op and I am still on a PPI twice a day. At my last appt, I told the nurse that I couldn't wean off the PPI. She said that I might be one of the few who are stuck with heartburn. And, she said that the surgeon will likely want to switch me to gastric bypass if it doesn't go away. (Heartburn/reflux over time leads to changes in the lining of the esophagus, which can turn into esophageal cancer [which, although not common, is deadly and impossible to prevent once it's headed in that direction].

I'm not ready for another surgery and am afraid of complications from GB, so I will hope and pray that it goes away over more time. I'm giving it a full year before I make any decisions.

[NewNewMe 277]

I hope that is not the case for you. I had horrible reflux with my band. That is gone now. I don't know if I was headed back there with all the heartburn. So far I do feel better with the Nexium. I will talk to my surgeon at my six month check up. I hope yours gets better and no new surgery is needed.