Anyone else experiencing heartburn/reflux?

[Fleur de lis 2]

I swear, mine is worse than before my hernia was repaired. I'm popping Pepcid like candy, but it doesn't really provide much relief. And I often wake up with a tightness in my chest and a lump in my throat, almost like I have to throw up, but I feel like that can't be since I haven't even eaten anything.

Is anyone else having problems like this and do y'all have any suggestions for relief?

[Tiffykins 673]

Are you on a true PPI such as Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid or Protonix?

Pepcid is not going to stop the acid production because it's an h2 blocker. It works differently than proton pump inhibitors, and is only treating the symptoms of acid reflux.

Can you contact your surgeon and ask if you can go on a PPI? Most sleeve patients have to go on a PPI for at least 3-6 months post sleeve. I've been on Prilosec since I was 6 weeks out, and won't go off of it because I'm not willing to deal with acid reflux or false hunger.

If you can't get help from your surgeon, you can get Prilosec and Prevacid over the counter. Take on an empty stomach and wait at least 30-60 minutes before eating. Prilosec can take up to 7-10 days to kick in completely. Gaviscon is good for breakthrough reflux as well.

[ninaboo 1]

fleur

I swear we have matching Issues , my surgeon did prescribe Prilosec for me, I haven't started to take it yet because the heartburn seems to have subsided some But I was waking up feeling the need to throw up and was thinking the same thing " this cant be happeneing I haven't eaten" but i have decided to stop eating or drinking anything couple hours before bedtime and rember not to lay down right after eating or drinking anything. Hopes this helps but Tiffykins did really good job of explaining as always.

[Fleur de lis 2]

Are you on a true PPI such as Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid or Protonix?

Pepcid is not going to stop the acid production because it's an h2 blocker. It works differently than proton pump inhibitors, and is only treating the symptoms of acid reflux.

Can you contact your surgeon and ask if you can go on a PPI? Most sleeve patients have to go on a PPI for at least 3-6 months post sleeve. I've been on Prilosec since I was 6 weeks out, and won't go off of it because I'm not willing to deal with acid reflux or false hunger.

If you can't get help from your surgeon, you can get Prilosec and Prevacid over the counter. Take on an empty stomach and wait at least 30-60 minutes before eating. Prilosec can take up to 7-10 days to kick in completely. Gaviscon is good for breakthrough reflux as well.

No, I'm not on a PPI but after your reply, I'm definitely going to get in contact with my surgeon and ask him about that. Thanks so much! I was starting to feel like I was going crazy.

[Fleur de lis 2]

fleur

I swear we have matching Issues , my surgeon did prescribe Prilosec for me, I haven't started to take it yet because the heartburn seems to have subsided some But I was waking up feeling the need to throw up and was thinking the same thing " this cant be happeneing I haven't eaten" but i have decided to stop eating or drinking anything couple hours before bedtime and rember not to lay down right after eating or drinking anything. Hopes this helps but Tiffykins did really good job of explaining as always.

I did try to stop eating and drinking before bed, but a lot of times that doesn't help either. Is yours constant because I feel like mine is. I feel it when I'm eating, when I'm not eating, laying down, sitting up, walking around. It's pretty annoying.

[Carrie 4]

I think it's an easier question to ask who doesn't have heartburn around here...lol. I believe a majority of folks that are less than a year out are on PPI's. I'm on Nexium but still take Gaviscon for emergency fire melting moments!

[LovinLife 0]

My heartburn felt constant as well! I started taking Prilosec about 4 weeks out and I feel 100% better. I was lucky that it started working the first day even though the package says it can take several days. Check with your doctor and I hope you feel more comfortable soon!

[dbrar88 5]

I take Protonix as needed with Pepcid twice daily- no matter what!! Once you get the reflux under control, you will feel like a new person!!! My husband has reflux pretty bad and I never really understood how he felt until after the sleeve and experienced it for myself.

Good luck!!!

[Fleur de lis 2]

I just tried some Gaviscon and even though it's only been about 45 minutes, I can definitely feel a difference. Soooo much better than Pepcid. We'll see how I feel later, but right now I'm feeling much better.

Thanks Tiffy!!

[Tiffykins 673]

I just tried some Gaviscon and even though it's only been about 45 minutes, I can definitely feel a difference. Soooo much better than Pepcid. We'll see how I feel later, but right now I'm feeling much better.

Thanks Tiffy!!

Fabulous news ! ! ! Hopefully, your surgeon will get a RX for a PPI, and you won't have to deal with acid at all. It really is great to be acid free. I've had a couple episodes of breakthrough reflux, and I was absolutely miserable for hours. You'll want more than just something to treat the symptoms so you can heal, get in your fluids and progress the food stages.

[coreyandbrett 0]

I was sleeved Friday and mine has been more pain to me than the surgery. My doctor said, as I lose weight it should get better and I should take prilosec or some liquid medicine. I'm taking malox right now. I think it will get better as the weight continues to come off.