Reflux during the night

[tutornmom 1]

I have been on reflux medicine for years. It has always bothered me during the day. For the past 6 months, it has moved to nights. My PCM has changed my meds and I am now trying a 3rd as of today. I literally wake up some nights choking on acid.

I have a wedge under my mattress to keep my head elevated. I finish eating and taking medicine at least 2 hours before I go to bed. I finish drinking about 1.5 hours before I go to bed. I have to eat very small meals and make sure I don't have any PBs during the day or I know I am in for a LONG night. I need to drink more Water because I know that helps and I am working on it.

I don't think it is related to my lap-band but I thought I would see if anyone is having similar troubles. My lap-band doctor said he would have been worried that it was a slip if it happened consistently but it doesn't.

Any thoughts?

[Guest Ursulaa]

It has everything to due with our lapband. I had my operation in December 2008, and my reflux started just 4 months ago. Zantac helps... I can't eat before noon.

[Humming Bird 275]

Night reflux is a sign of being too tight in many cases. Have you tried going to get .1 or .2 taken out to see if it solves the problem? or Maybe you have a hiatial hernia? .....just tossing a couple thoughts out there....

[adorkbl 156]

Sounds like you are already doing a lot to alleviate your symptoms. Ellivating head when sleeping, not eating 2 hours before bed, etc. Also make sure to avoid caffeine and greasy foods. They will trigger the reflux.

If you are too tight it will cause reflux. Or, like me, you could have a hiatal hernia.

I had an EGD and was diagnosed with esophagitis and a hiatal hernia. So I am doing a lot of the things you are doing and it has all but alleviated my symptoms. I am trying to avoid surgery to repair.

I would recommend having .2cc removed. It is amazing what just a teensy tiny unfill can do for reflux. If all the things you are doing aren't giving you relief... you are probably just a smudge too tight.

Good luck!

[tutornmom 1]

Thanks everyone! I have gone back and forth over that last year with my band more empty than full. I am now back up to 4ccs. I am going next week to go up a little more but that will be it due to the reflux.

I am completely off reflux meds right now and never have issues. I have gained a great deal of weight back during this year partially due to this but also because I stopped my Wellbutrin. I am back on Wellbutrin and losing again.

We, the surgeon and I, have just got to find the right fill in the band. I don't want to go back on meds for reflux so if I get a fill and start having trouble again, I will come back to 4ccs and stay.

Thanks for you input!

[adorkbl 156]

I would caution against adding more Fluid with the issues you are having. Be sure your Dr realizes the extent of the reflux. I am surprised he is willing to add more fill with your reflux issues. Be safe!! Hang in there.

[Kiskis 56]

Hi all! I have had acid reflux since preband bad. I am on strong meds that i take in the morning. Sometimes i will take a 2nd at night if really bad. I am really tight at 6.7 cc's. I have to reset with 2 days of liquid/mushies to help with acid reflux. I am finding that some foods some days are harder than others. I love spices and find that i need to stay away from them when my acid refux is bad. Once i hit goal i wil get a slight unfill. Also coffee etc... Are bad for reflux. Take it easy!

[juliejbird 0]

I had my surgery back in '03. Lost 100 lbs and felt ready to lose more. Went back to the doctor & he added only .25cc & that caused all the hell I have been through in the past 4 years! I would wake at night with food in my nose & choking/couldn't breathe. I had moved so found a new doctor after a year of major GERD. My band was so tight food was passing thru the size of a pin. I was drained & told my surgery would need to be re-done & band replaced. Try getting insurance to approve that! During this time I gained back 65 lbs. I decided to get a 2nd opinion & my new doctor said let's start back at putting in Fluid to where you had success. I had joined Weight Watchers & lost 15 lbs, but the heartburn is still there....just not as bad. All this over .25cc!

[yayatrudy 0]

I had my surgery 3 years ago. I lost 50 lbs and have been trying to lose 50 more. I got a fill on Tuesday and I have had reflux and heartburn ever since. Does anyone know if this will clear up on its own or do I need to get the extra Fluid removed. This isn't the first time I have had problems but the band seems to be really working for me again except for this heartburn. I hate to have fluid removed and lose the retriction I have now. Poor pitiful me.

[Kiskis 56]

I also have Gelisul with me all the time and it works great!

[allie1516 12]

Hi I have had acid reflux for years even affecting my vocal chord.I had it before I got banded but after banding the stomach got better but it was worse in my throat /vocal chord.so i went back to my stomach dr and he has me alternating omneprozole before Breakfast then sulcrafate before lunch then omneprozole before dinner and finish up at the end of the day with sulcrafate before bed and my voice is sooo much better.try this i think it will help you.let me know.I know how it is to suffer withh this.

[Baba Wawa 543]

I have been on reflux medicine for years. It has always bothered me during the day. For the past 6 months' date=' it has moved to nights. My PCM has changed my meds and I am now trying a 3rd as of today. I literally wake up some nights choking on acid.

I have a wedge under my mattress to keep my head elevated. I finish eating and taking medicine at least 2 hours before I go to bed. I finish drinking about 1.5 hours before I go to bed. I have to eat very small meals and make sure I don't have any PBs during the day or I know I am in for a LONG night. I need to drink more Water because I know that helps and I am working on it.

I don't think it is related to my lap-band but I thought I would see if anyone is having similar troubles. My lap-band doctor said he would have been worried that it was a slip if it happened consistently but it doesn't.

Any thoughts?[/quote']

It has everything to do with your band. You might be too tight. Call your doctor and treat the cause, not the symptoms. In the meantime, since I've been there, done that, try the following:

1) take your ppi on an empty stomach at least 2 hours prior to your last meal of the day. For me, that means between 3-4pm. I have a reminder set on my phone to do this. A ppi at bedtime and Water will make the acid worse, not better.

2)eat at least 4 hours prior to bedtime, stop water intake 2 hours before. Get your water intake up during the day. I try to get 64 oz in before dinner and 16 oz after.

It's pointless to treat gerd without attempting to find the cause. When this started happening to me last summer, it was an early sign of big problems.