Do we need to take antacids (ppi) forever

[denisa 5]

Hi

Ive been sleeved 4 wks ago and i am on omeprazole

Do we need to take this ind of medicine forever?

Thx

[rileyoshea 15]

I had my surgery in October of 2014 and I do not take a purple pill every day anymore. I do take them on occasion when I feel I may be eating a food that may not agree with my sleeve....

[4MRB4PHOTO 3,899]

Long term usage of PPIs have been linked with bone thinning (accelerating osteoporosis) and reducing the absorption of Calcium.

My surgeon's office did not want me to take omeprazole on a daily basis more than the first 2 or 3 months.

If someone has stomach acid issues or prone for ulcers, than the benefit of taking PPIs on a permanent maintenance outways the risks. This should be medically supervised with periodic tests and take Calcium supplements (per their doctor's recommendations) -but some doctors feel that large daily calcium supplements are being linked with an increased chance of a heart attack -WTF!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I no longer take mine and don't have any issues. I don't really remember how long it was after surgery that I stopped, but it was less than six months (maybe even three).

[aaonthego 24]

My surgeon requires his patients to take it for 3 months post op.

[Kindle 8,667]

I was on 40mg omeprazole daily for two months just while my incision was healing. Weaned to 20mg for two weeks then stopped completely. No need to continue any longer unless you have GERD symptoms and then you need to talk to your surgeon or a gastroenterologist about the best way to manage the symptoms long term.

It's best NOT to take PPIs long term. Besides the calcium/osteoporosis issues there are other potential issues including Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining (Atrophic Gastritis); Vitamin B-12 deficiency. (Which we already deal with as VSG patients); susceptibility to GI bacterial infections like salmonella and C. diff, and Low magnesium levels.