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It does sound like you've tried other things and have been overweight a long time, so this may indeed be the right time for surgery. The only other thing I can recommend is to start seeing a therapist who specializes in eating disorders, to find out why you overeat. IMO if you don't do this, your chances of longterm recovery are lower. I always thought that I just liked the taste of food, esp sweets, more than other people, even as a child. I was always wanting more, even before I became overweight. It wasn't until my marriage started falling apart that I went looking for answers on the eating, b/c by then I knew there were emotional reasons that I ate. And I found, surprisingly to me, that those reasons went back to childhood. I've had to work hard on letting go of some of those emotions I buried deep inside, and find ways to express anger and disappointment without using food. Two years ago, surgery would not have been successful for me, I know, b/c I would have found another crutch, possibly alcohol. I've heard others become shopping addicts, using the excuse of needing new clothes at first, but later it's a new addiction. Geneen Roth has some books on Emotional Overeating that I found very helpful, too. Best of luck!

For type 2 diabetes folks this is presented as a benefit, and better option than the sleeve. Sleeve patients do not experience dumping. Regarding addiction, food addicts cannot abstain from eating. It's not the same as alcoholics who can completely abstain from drinking alcohol. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I just saw crystal light in the store and they make alcohol flavors now! Too soon to get my drink on but great idea!

Really? How far out are you? Did you drink this much pre-surgery? If not, you might have traded alcohol for food and that can be very serious. Even if you did, do you really think it's worth all the empty calories? Please don't take this wrong - I don't know you or your circumstances. But, you might want to consider talking to someone ... Normally, any more than 7 drinks a week on a consistent basis is a warning sign for alcoholism.

I think the goal of getting drunk with friends is probably problematic, but just in case you're wondering, you probably will not be able to drink as much if you have a RNY. One, alcohol irritates the heck out of your stomach. Two, you may end up throwing up - also not great for your stomach, throat and teeth. Three, alcohol makes you more likely to make bad food choices. All that said, you will also likely get a buzz or drunk off much less alcohol. Even a "girly" drink like a margarita may prove too much. - Ask me how I know Try to focus on what you have to GAIN. The things you have to lose may seem big right now, but write a list and do a comparison. What do you have to GAIN if you are successful? What do you have to lose if you DON'T have the surgery? And like others have said, this is a great conversation to have with a counselor or therapist.

@@okiegirl1980 - I was actually leaning toward the lapband initially. It seemed like a good "starter" way of seeing if this worked for me. I ended up rejecting it because of need for follow up with the surgeon (who was in Mexico) and revisions and slippage. I was not interested in getting my bowls worked on (the idea of dumping just scared me, since I teach so much). But I warmed up to the idea of the Sleeve when I read about the Cleveland Clinic research where they were following patients for four years. The need for follow up care was low compared to the other procedures. So, it seemed like the most bang for the buck, and cheaper on the back end. All of the procedures are tools. You still must do the work. If you do, it will change your life. Much tougher as a woman than a man. You are 36, which means you will start getting new attention from guys, which will alter your relationships. If you have not dealt with your food issues, you will be at risk of switching from food to alcohol (or something else). But if you work this on the nutritional/spiritual/emotional levels in a couple of years you will eventually find a new normal, if you are serious. I hope you really appreciate the many thoughtful responses here. I was scanning through the comments, and they were first rate and very fair descriptions of the ups and downs of the procedures. My last bit of unsolicited advice is to Google "WLS fails." There are many videos and blogs of those who didn't do well on this (statistically 20% or so). Look at them carefully. I found most of them failed because they thought this was a magic wand. WRONG. It's still work. But it can change your life in very good and profound ways if you are committed. I have done things I have not done in decades and I am still enjoying the ride. I wish you and my fellow Oklahoman's the best of luck on this. Always feel free to reach out if you have a question.

Like what I mean is, is since having lost almost 40 lbs so far, now when I have coffee, chocolate or pop I get all jittery & kinda hyper :biggrin:, that has never happened before. It wouldn't matter how many coffees I had. Now, I'm practically bouncing off the wall ---- awesome time to go for a walk than. Has anyone else had that happen? I don't drink (only have once, and alcohol never affected me either), but I'm thinking if I did, that'd probably affect me too now.

First, let me clarify that I am a sleeve patient and not a bypass patient. Thus, my experience with dumping is exactly none. However; I have read about it and understand the phenomenon. I am pretty confused by this line of reasoning. Dumping is a negative health effect caused by improper eating after a major surgery and you're disappointed that you're not able to rely on it to keep your eating in line? I feel like that's akin to an alcoholic lamenting that certain liquors don't cause them to puke and pass out, and they end up staying out and drinking all night instead. Does that sound like a healthy way to mitigate a drinking problem?

I am very discouraged by the reactions I am getting from family and friends. I have been turned down by Kaiser, switched to Blue Cross at open enrollment only to find it is excluded by my policy, and was getting ready to pay out of pocket here in Portland. Then I came across Dr. Roberto Rumbaut of the Obsesity Surgery Center of Monterrey. After researching his practice and the hospital in Monterrey, Mexico where he practices, I opted to go forward. Some of my friends are thrilled for me, but my daughter and sister say I can't change, that it is too drastic, that it is Mexico for heaven sakes. I know I can do this. 12 years ago I made a dramatic lifestyle change when I admitted to be alcoholic and stopped drinking. Never looked back. Now I want to do something else for my health and well being. I would love some words of encouragement, as well as any comments from Dr. Rumbaut's patients. Thanks. Donna Scheduled for banding 5/9/07

When did you try alcohol & what is this better choice to drink?! I want to try one tonight! -Had Gastric Bypass-

also, which fake sugars are sending you to the toilet? Sugar alcohols can have a laxative effect (bad for anyone having more than a few diet lollies or chewing gum), so you may be becoming more sensitive to those. I think I read somewhere that people suffering with irritable bowel couldn't tolerate sugar alcohols. Aspartame always caused headaches for me, and 10-15 years ago was about the only sweetener used in diet anything. Most protein powders and drinks still seem to be sweetened with aspartame. I am more sensitive to the taste of sweet things already as have avoided more sweet things since starting sleeve planning in February. I've adapted to using some powdered stevia+xylitol sweetener in my coffee and iced fruit tea with my protein water. I seem to tolerate splenda sweetened stuff so far too. Could the sweet TASTE be triggering a form of dumping for you? Or dairy or other ingredients in the artificially sweetened stuff? It's crazy how things can suddenly change 3 months out! My husband got the runs last week from drinking a small amount of aspartame-sweetened diet schweppes lemonade and never usually has any artificially sweetened stuff. He has the runs again today.. guess what he went and drank again last night even after knowing it likely caused the runs last week? I made him tip the rest out today lol. I'm making him protein water to take to work now, with bodie'z unflavored protein water powder, a brewed non-caffeinated fruit tea (his favorite is ginger and lemon) sweetened with sugar or honey and chilled before mixing. If you are adapting to prefer things not being sweet at all that could be a really good thing for long term maintenance at least?

I got Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement shakes (lots o' Vitamins and protein) along with frozen fruit for smoothies, flavoring for the shakes like alcohol based candy flavorings, DaVinci and Archer Farms sugar free syrups, and since I was allowed broccoli, fresh florets to steam for a snack. I would not get a sherbert based smoothie, personally. It's going to be high carb content with all that sugar, even if you put Protein powder in it, that's not going to make it good for you. I was told to limit my carbs per serving/meal to less than 19, but that's just my surgeon. Follow what yours says to do. Remember, the liquid diet is difficult, but so is eating tiny portions and basing everything around Protein first for the rest of your life. Going back to what we used to do will only get us where we used to be. Instead, find ways to make the stuff you eat taste good. One of the shakes I liked the most was a pina colada one. 1 serving of vanilla shake powder, 1/2 c large pineapple chunks (in Water, drained), a little coconut flavoring, and ice cubes. Add splenda to taste if it's not sweet enough. Blend with water until smooth and there you go!

I assume most of us had to attend nutrition and pre-surgery classes as part of this process. In our class, I think I could pick out a couple of people who are not going to be very successful. After being told that we could have neither alcohol nor carbonated drinks, one woman declared that she will NOT give up champagne. Another one said that her hectic schedule meant she had to eat fast food, and that would not change after surgery (which reminded me of "My 600-Pound Life). I'm not saying that I'm going to be a saint and never cheat, but I can't understand why you would be doing this if you were going in with the intention of cheating. Am I being too judgy?

I just posted this on the general board. Have any of you asked yourself this question? I could be getting cold feet as my April 2 date gets closer, maybe I'm looking for an excuse but now that I'm on the preop diet and making a serious attempt to lose weight, I'm losing weight. Im following all the rules, getting myself ready, i.e.: drinking tons of water, stepped up my exercising, dropped all carbs, no alcohol, concentrating on protein. So, the question I'm asking myself that Im sure you all asked yourselves: If I'm losing weight now can I do this without the band IF I continue following these rules which are the same rules I'd have to follow with the band? Those that asked yourself that question, went through with the surgery and can now look back....what are your thoughts on this?...thank you so much for your insight. ELCEE, B52 and Corrigan Im counting on you to reply!!!! : )

Yes, each visit I have with Dr. Castro the more respect I have for the man. I told him I wanted whomever decided to use the betadine written up for it because the rash has been horrible. He looked at my rash and I told him I noticed when I got home the rash and a fake tan look to my entire abdominal area. He said most of the preps they use these days are alcohol based because there are more and more people with questionable iodine allergies and alcohol based preps are just as good if not better than iodine based preps. He also said the preps they use do have a fake tan look to them. I have no doubt he will have an answer for me by the time I go back in 3 weeks for my next follow up. Best of luck to you in your soon to be surgery!

From another WLS forum (but not posted by me): I wanted to see if anyone has shared my experience. Before having the sleeve surgery, I have never had issues with psychological or addictive disorders. I happen to be in the field of psychology, so I knew enough to have myself screened several times for any type of food or emotional addictions and dependencies before having my surgery. Basically, I confirmed before the surgery, that I had neither an addictive disorder, nor did I have a family history of chemical dependency. I had a sleeve a couple of years ago, and I am now in alcohol treatment. I was astounded to learn from my counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, that alcoholism is very common in patients following weight loss surgery (in my case the sleeve). I have learned from doctors that many of the origins of the neurotransmitters that regulate brain function (endorphins, serotonin, nor-epinephrine, and dopamine) actually originate in the stomach and digestive system. When this system is thrown "out of whack" so are the chemicals that control inner brain activity, frequently resulting in the brain seeking other methods of chemical regulation. The end result is often a dependency of another neuro-stimulant such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other mood affective substances. More and more research is supporting the phenomenon of people developing addictive disorders after weigh loss surgery who otherwise would not have developed them. Like I mentioned, I am now receiving outpatient, and in a 12-step program which will have to be a life-long process. I'm sure we were made aware that an existing food addiction may transition to another form of dependency, hence the requirement of psychological screening prior to surgery. I certainly was never made aware that a possible side effect of weight loss surgery was the development dependency issues WHERE NON AND EXISTED BEFORE, and neither was anyone else I know who have had the procedure. I'm not looking to start a blame-game, but I would like to reach out to others who have had my same experience. I know what I need to do, and am taking responsibility for my actions, but this whole thing looks like it has the potential for potential law suites in the future. I think the sleeve was overall a positive addition to my life, but I wish I had known how it would affect my brain chemistry so I could have better prepared.

I'm here! I'd like to see this thread become more active also! A little about me - surgery 2/1/13. No pre-op diet required. My Dr says he only requires them for people he feels will struggle with dietary compliance, seems like every Dr is different. I've lost 31 lbs so far and have been lucky to have very little hunger from day 1. I've also not has any alcohol since January - tough as the hubby and I own a liquor store/deli/catering operation and wine and food tasting are part of the job! I have 3 kids - a son who is married with a 2 yr old of his own, a daughter graduating college in May, and a 14 yr old daughter. My surgery coincided with my son and his family moving into their own apartment (they had lived with us for 2 yrs) and honestly, this has been the biggest help in my weight loss journey! Love them all but the stress of 7 ppl in the house was not good for me. Prior to surgery I was diagnosed with knee issues - arthritis and a meniscus tear. While waiting for knee surgery I developed a blood clot in the leg which scared me. While dealing with that, my decision to have the surgery was cemented - I just had to deal with the 3 denials from insurance! Finally got that resolved in early December. Other than the obvious appearance changes, I am very hopeful that the weight loss will help my knee arthritis/pain. I look forward to hearing other people's stories!

I usually drink some wine or a nice vodka martini. Alcohol is fine but it WAY goes to my head fast. I think it's mostly because of the reduced calories I'm eating. It used to take three or four and now one and maybe half of two and I'm blitzed. Cheap date!!! It's hard to find mixers without the massive sugar and calories. I've tried two brands of sugar free margarita mix and they both tasted terrible.

I just came across this and thought you might find this interesting: The 10 Most Common Mistakes WLS Patients Make Vitamins, supplements, or Minerals 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water 6th Mistake: Grazing 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda (soft drink) 10th Mistake: Drinking Excessive Alcohol For anyone wanting to read the mistakes in full detail; the National (America) Association for Weight Loss Surgery website address. The 10 Most Common Mistakes Weight Loss Surgery Patients Make I know I've been guilty of some of these from time to time. I think I need to print this out! :thumbup:

Not all doctors require this. My doctor does and mine is a 14 day dose per day. I had to watch the DVD on how to give yourself a shot. The morning of surgery, the nurse had me do the shot so that they were sure I knew how to do it. It helps to prevent blood clots. Some days I feel it and some days I don't. They did suggest to make sure the alcohol swabbed area is dry and that will help in preventing the burning. It will leaving bruising but hey it is a blood thinner. After reading someone's post who developed a blood clot in the stomach and had to be readmitted, I am glad that this is a requirement from my doctor.

How do you chew forty times? Wow I can barley get in 20 times. I also don't drink for an hour after I eat and that gets easier as time goes by. Good thing to give up cokes and alcohol too. I have missed my diet coke so much. I only drink water day and night since I can not find something that taste good. Your doing good!!!

Been banded 2 1/2 yes. Lately when I eat it hurts when food goes down Caffeine or alcohol burns really bad. I almost never drink alcohol but with Christmas parties have had a few glasses of champagne It burns so bad going down I wonder if I am too tight or is something else like an ulcer on my esophagus. I do not have heartburn. Only burns as food or liquid is going down. Thx

Hi! I just found this app today! I had my sleeve 6+ years ago. I did meet my goal which is 155, but I've slowly been gaining it back. Today I am up to 190. Ugh!! I was at a steady 175 for a couple of years, but I want to get back to my goal weight. I don't feel that I over eat, or eat bad foods. My problem is alcohol (beer). It's easy to drink but wasteful calories!! I need support getting back to 2008. Lol

@@shadowsoldier I don't want to sound negative here and by all means you should listen to your doctor but you have to keep in mind your insides are going to take about 4 months to heal. The reason we're told (we were handed books telling us specifically what to eat at Mayo) to follow the different stages of liquids, purees, soft, etc. is because the opening from our new pouch to our newly connected intestine is the size of our pinkie finger nail. It has to be slowly stretched by this process. That's why it's also very important not to stay in the liquid stage longer because of fear of discomfort. Protein is driven home constantly and it is of the utmost importance. It will continue to be the rest of our lives. Day 2 being home from the hospital I was getting in my 60 grams and today at almost 7 months post-op, I'm averaging 130 grams of protein. It can be done but I am able to do it by supplementing my diet with Protein2o Water (dual liquid in my book) and by using Premier Protein ready-made shakes as coffee creamer, milk substitute in recipes, etc. Give them a try but no matter what get your protein in! Here's something else that helped me that I read at bariatriceating.com: Sew what? In terms of food, you must stick to your surgeons program for post op food stages. You need time to allow the tiny pouch cut and sewn from the fabric of your giant floppy stomach to heal itself closed. We have all glued something only to have the seams pop open. The liquid and soft food stages are to avoid stressing pouch seams and give your stomach a break from the process of digestion. Is ice cream a puree? Sirloin steak is not a soft food. Ice cream is NOT a puree. You can’t eat popcorn, raw carrots or celery ten days after surgery. People ask if we think they could have a pork chop, we say ‘no’, they eat it anyhow, then tell us ‘they didn’t have a problem’. No alcohol for a year… non negotiable… but people push back saying their surgeon said five weeks was okay. Folks… we know better and we are trying to help you. General Tso? NOT your friend The post op dietary stages are not a suggestion, they are a requirement for you own safety. You cannot eat Chinese food the week after surgery because you ‘chew it well’. A ‘craving’ for Orange chicken landed one support group member in the hospital! It’s a very bad idea to push. Being ‘released’ to ‘regular food’ does not mean what you think it does, but you already know that. How long until you can have pizza again? “Pizza is not a food for someone having obesity surgery.” (that’s a quote from Dr. N on My 600 lb Life) Every single week in our support group, these actions land new post ops in the hospital. Sip sip sip sip sip… If you had a back injury, you would not tile your kitchen floor the same week. Yet, people think nothing of making a trip to a theme park when they should be at home resting and taking in fluids. People ask us ‘Do you think I would be able to go on a cruise two weeks after my sleeve?’ (Nooooo!) As high as 30% of post ops are dehydrated enough to land back in the hospital with a Fluid IV. Not drinking enough water after surgery can cause heart damage. Dehydration is the most common bariatric complication, yet it’s largely avoidable. Stay home and heal… drink hot water, cold water, broth, Diet Snapple, herbal tea, eat sf ice pops and Jello. (We have a free bariatric water app called HY, click for GetHyApp.com) What’s eating you? If eating is a compulsion that you cannot control, ask your surgeon to suggest someone for you to talk to. A therapist can help you come to conclusions about your life – you talk, they listen and even after one chat you’ll often have a clearer truth of why you use eating as comfort. Knowing what drives you can help you deal with your eating issues to better work with your surgery. Vitamins are critical It is impossible for you to have your stomach surgically removed or reconfigured and take in the nutrients needed to run your body. While your surgeons group has mentioned Flintstones, that is so you will possibly take something instead of being one of the 67% of post ops who take nothing. They are not optimal and won’t prevent long term problems like broken bones from simple falls and losing teeth, but may keep you from dying in the short term. The idea behind supplements is to prevent issues from grabbing you in twenty years when it’s too late to change the path. Take them! Protein from food? What a novel idea! Yes, yes, yes, we’d all like to get our protein from food and that’s what you want to hear. However, if you are unable to take in 70 grams of protein per day, you can either weaken and lose your hair or you can figure out another way until you are able to learn and eat the right foods. Protein drinks make up the difference between what you can eat and what you need. They are not simply a tasty beverage for your enjoyment for you to be all picky and ridiculous over. They are the antidote for your disease of morbid obesity. Morbid means death and obesity surgery only slows and reverses the disease IF you follow your plan. Please wake up get very serious about what you have done to your body. There are obvious rewards to losing 150 pounds, but it does not need take place at the expense of your life. Peace.

BetsyJane posted this and I thought it might come in REAL handy. `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` HowtoTellWhenYouArePerfectlyAdjusted: You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of protein a day? 2. Are you eating 25 grams of fiber? 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories? a. Soup can be sign of soft calorie syndrome b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories 7 calories per gram.(It's also a stomach irritant). c. Fruit juice is just sugar water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can't just eat what's easy c. Cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals? 6. Are you eating too much junk? a. Chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don't avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of calcium daily? 8. Do you always eat the protein first? 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. Meat or fish (3 ounces the size of a deck of cards) b. Vegetables (½ cup the size of your fist) c. Starch (If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don't need much - Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta) 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine. d. The body has no way to break down artificial fats). a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you're not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won't be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it's a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive compulsive thoughts (Obsess about something else) b. Perfectionism (All or none, black and white thinking) c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as good and bad e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables (6) Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (7) Peppermint (8) Baking soda toothpaste (9) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (Tylenol is OK) n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider