Reflux post op

[Catmom4 149]

Hi, I was sleeved December 2015. I’ve lost 110 pounds. Very thankful for my sleeve. Problem is that in the past few months I’ve started having really bad reflux. Sometimes I wake up from a dead sleep to stomach acids up in my throat! I use Prilosec daily plus Zantac twice a day and tums in between. I moved a few months ago so I live 2 states away from my bariatric surgeon and I have new insurance. Just wondering if I should find a new bariatric surgeon or just go to a regular doctor about my issues. Have others had reflux/GERD issues? Thanks in advance.

[Rae5148 28]

I have severe reflux issues I treat with my GI DR for that and I am being converted to bypass because of it (by a bariatric surgeon).

I would get to a dr as soon as you can as there are other medications you can be on that may help you. I started off with Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal ulcers. Which have now gotten much worse due to reflux and has done permanent damage to my esophagus. It’s better to have a dr treat you as they may have a stronger dose of a medication or a different type that will stop it right away.

I suggest not eating before bed, sleep with your head elevated and avoid caffeine, Citrus and other highly acidic foods.

If you’re in a new state I would suggest starting with a GI dr or calling your first surgeon to see if he can suggest someone or the type of dr you would need.

Acid reflux can do permanent damage and is so painful definitely try to get some medical attention soon.

I’m on omeprazole, dexilant, Pepcid and carafate. The dexilant seemed to help a lot at first if you do talk to a dr you may want to ask them about that medication.

Best of luck!

[Foxbins 625]

I developed GERD about a year after my sleeve. I take 40 mg of omeprazole daily and keep a glass of Water by the bed if it wakes me up. Some days are better than others, and on especially bad days I might have to take a Pepcid in addition to the omeprazole. Have you made any dietary changes? chocolate makes my GERD flare up. Try keeping a food diary to see if you can identify foods that make it worse.

[kidrn72 85]

I had reflux before my sleeve in 2013, was stable on Prevacid at the time. Seemed to do fine until about a yr ago. Now my GI doc has me on 3 different reflux meds. I went back to my Bariatric surgeon and he’s doing to do a revision to RNY. My reflux has cause severe damage to my esophagus because the lower end is weak and the valve doesn’t close to keep the acid in my stomach. I have made all the dietary changes and sleep elevated- still have symptoms daily.

[bellabloom 2,467]

You definitely need to get checked out by a doctor. A general one first and then refer to a gastro. You could have an ulcer etc. our bodies really change from surgery. Get looked at asap.