Acid Reflux Problem: Solved?

ouroborous · May 21, 2010

Well, I just had a very informative nutritionist appointment, and I followed it up with a quick jaunt over to the doctor (one benefit of going to PSSC is that the nutritionist and surgeon's office are across the parking lot from each other!)

First, the surgeon cleared me to take the OTC omeprazole. This is good because (1) the prescription capsules were a pain to get and to consume (the little grains went EVERYWHERE) and (2) I felt like the OTC version -- which has an enteric coating -- was much more effective. So far today I've had 20 mg of omeprazole (the doc wants me to take 40 mg/day for now, instead of 80mg/day) and I feel pretty good, acid-wise.

Second, both the surgeon and the nut. agreed that I'm consuming stuff WAY too fast. Specifically I'm drinking too much water! Given that I'm consuming 100-120 oz day, both the nut. and surgeon agreed that that's likely what's causing the reflux. No room in the inn, so the Water just forces acid to bubble back up. I honestly never even considered that; I drank water to SOOTHE my throat, but maybe it was making it worse.

So now I'm not supposed to drink more than 80 oz/day, and I'm supposed to pace myself so that I'm not consuming more than 12 oz/45 minutes. I'm also supposed to stop drinking 30 minutes before and after a meal (thought I only had to do that on solids!) and stop consuming anything 1-2 hrs before bedtime (when my reflux is worst).

So, I'm relieved that I may have a solution for my reflux that doesn't involve massive, massive amounts of drugs. I'm trying it out today -- so far, so good.

I'm a little annoyed that my first nutritionist (who I won't mention by name, but with whom I'm currently attempting to cancel ALL of my followup appointments) didn't tell me ANY of this.

Keep your fingers crossed. If I can tame this reflux, the sleeve will be a breeze!

Oh, and yeah, I'm supposed to be targeting 600-800 calories/day. The first nutritionist didn't mention THAT, either!

goodlife · May 21, 2010

Glad you got all that straight.

Hope the otc omeprazole helps you!

ouroborous · May 21, 2010

So far, so good.

My Water consumption is way, way down (I may not even make my 64 oz today at this rate!) but I haven't had reflux all day (on only 20 mg of omeprazole).

So now the water consumption may be a new challenger, but at least the 800 pound gorilla -- the reflux -- appears to be doing better.

redroses47 · May 21, 2010

I wondered if you were consuming too much Water so I am glad you got that resolved. Now you can get relief from that pesky stomach acid.

Yes, it's great the that nutrition offices and the PSSC are right across from each other but I see everyone in Bellingham. While I won't ask which nutritionist you saw, I suspect I know :thumbup1: .. just a hunch.

I have had no problem taking the acid capsule since breaking it open was a hassle. But I am looking to get the OTC brand, too since I have to zip down to Bellingham to get my prescriptions filled so it's not very convenient. Anyway, great update.

lmmore · May 21, 2010

I am glad you went to your doctor! I was going to mention Water to you next. I can get acid refulux with water, if I drink it plain. I can only drink 2 or 3 glasses of water a day. What I do with my water most of the day, is add about 1oz of unsweetend juice. Like white cranberry. For some reason adding just a little something changes the ph balance of something I don't know but it works for me. Glad you're on you way to healing.

ouroborous · May 21, 2010

Yeah Dr. Landerholm said that since Water is incompressible, and since the part of the stomach that remains is the non-stretchy, muscular part, apparently too much Water (or any liquid) too fast can cause the acid to just back up into the throat.

I was consuming EVERYTHING way too fast, but he really suspected that the water was the culprit.