severe reflux

[klaufer 0]

Thanks

[jovigrl62 2]

PPI = proton pump inhibitor, the reflux drugs ending in -azole, as a rule: omeprazole, esomeprazole (Nexium), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex).

I had no heartburn preop, but I did have an annoying dry cough which I now think was reflux-related. At sleeve surgery a hiatal hernia was found and repaired. I started with reflux immediately postop and was commenced on Nexium.

It worked well. After about 3 months I had to go off nexium due to insurance issues and tried Prilosec OTC. It doesn't help much. Went to see a GI guy who did an upper GI scope this week (EGD). Showed a normal esophagus and stomach. He took biopsies which I have to wait for the results.

My reflux isn't "bad", just annoying. I feel kind of bubbles rolling up my throat when the prilosec is due. Often if I feel "hungry" and eat a Tums it goes away. My surgeon did tell me it may last 3-12 months postop - he said just like you have scars on the outside, your stomach has a long scar on one side that is stiff and needs to soften up over time.

jovigrl62 - it may be worth you trying a PPI instead of your Pepcid (which is an acid blocker but not a PPI). H2 blockers are good at treating symptoms of acid reflux but not at healing the esophageal irritation. Reglan is not very effective for heartburn either.

I'll talk to my Dr about the PPI. I don't think 2 many of his patients have had the problems I am having. I had to research it myself for the old nurse, the new one is much better at helping. My Dr did mention that a bypass my be my only option, just not sure I can do that at least not now.

I Have recently come to the conclusion that my hunger pangs over the years has been GERD, and not hunger. After years of over eating thinking I was starving, to find out I was having sever reflux pain OMG how did I not know that. Well I know it now and I'm gonna have to deal, but I'm gonna be getting skinnier as I do. Thanks.

[emilygrace 5]

Just wanted to update - my EGD showed normal biopsy, with mild-mod reflux of esophagus. I switched myself from Prilosec to Prevacid and have had NO MORE REFLUX since! Go figure. The point of the story: try different meds, even of the same class of drugs, and see which works best for you.

[meggiep 57]

My doctor gave me omeprazole and I am instructed to take one a day for ninety days even if NO acid. I am doing it- as he also told me when I asked that he has not had patients with a later acid problems and certainly not one needing revision surgery.

[rsr53 1]

Bypass surgery saved my life 10 yrs ago. I had had severe GERD and gallbladder problems. My hiatal hernia was the size of the surgeon's fist. It was also repaired, and my gallbladder was removed. I might add that 3 mos prior to surgery I was rushed to another hosp due to severe anemia; the hemoglobin was down to 4.8--normal is around 12 to 15. I lost 85 pounds, kept it off for about 3 yrs, and then it started creeping back on me. My comorbid symptoms also returned with high blood pressure, as did nutritional deficiencies in Iron, Calcium, VitD, and Vit B12. I also failed to mention that I have hypertension for which I am allergic to all blood pressure drugs. So WLS is my only intervention for health. In 2007 I saw my surgeon who did an EGD to find my bypass had stretched 80%. That explained the 50+ pound weight regained for which I cannot lose without revision surgery--my date for surgery is May 31st, I am all ready!! Just doing preop diet now. What I want to say is that each person's circumstance is different. Yes, there is research out there touting bypasses but as I see it, bypass is not as 'popular' as it was when I had mine in 2001--there was no choices for surgery back then. In fact, laproscopic surgery was just coming out in practice back then, as was the lapband and gastric banding options. The surgeon I had at that time was not skilled in these newer procedures--because of my other needs at surgery mine was an open operation. You have to realize these studies are on different populations, with unique variables associated with the tests and observations. Don't let research intimidate your desires/need for WLS. Hope this will encourage your journey--if you don't have GERD then you won't postop--your dr's competence will guide the progress and possible adjustments to your treatment and care postoperatively.

Ok so after reading that 5 year study where it stated that some people who had severe reflux and had to be revised to bypass...what??? Ok so my question is done anyone here have severe reflux? Did u always suffer from it before surgery? Reason I'm asking is because I don't have any problems with reflux(pre-op still) and I don't want any. I don't want to be on medication for life or worse have to have bypass in the end. Something none of us wanted in the first place. I do realize we are put on ppi's after surgery for a few months but crap, this news is slightly depressing

[rsr53 1]

I agree with you, Diva. I have had no GERD with my RNY since the hiatal hernia was repaired at surgery back then. I do sometimes take TUMS, but as needed--3-4 times a year is all. I have allergies to pepsid and some of the rx stomach meds, too. That, and also allergic to blood pressure pills of all kinds. WLS is my only chance at a decent life. My family has all those symptoms, too.My sister has a lapband. She has her issues with it sometimes. Her son and DIL had RNYs and are doing very well with it.

With this surgery, chances are if y had reflux pre surgery you will likely have it after. I'm not a Doctor though so I'm only guessing, but it just makes sense to me. Anyway, I do take Omeprazole every morning. I was only told by my surgeon to take it for the first 6 month post op, however I have no real intention of ever stopping taking it. The studies show too much evidence that reflux is a big issue with the sleeve. I'd rather keep my acid under control rather than "chance it" and end up damaging my esophagus so much I have to revise to RNY or DS. I honestly do not think my body can handle either of those surgeries and need to practice some preventative medicine here.

To combat the Calcium deficiency, I take 1500 mg of calcium citrate a day making sure not to take it with Iron, and taking Vitamin D and Magnesium for super potency and absorption.

All of this to me is a small price to pay for my health and fitness. If I didn't do all this I'd end up with a stroke, Type 2 diabetes or heart disease, even cancer. All of these run in my family, and I was already diagnosed with hypertension at 31 years old. I was headed no where and fast. I was placed on 4 maximum dosage pills per day to bring my BP down. Today I'm down to only ONE!!! It's the minimum dose and to date my BP has been excellent. It's only a matter of time before my PCP takes me off of that too.

You really have to consider your choices when you do this. Think about your future, look at your relatives when making this decision too. If they have something, chances are you will too if you continue with very bad habits.

Hang in there, don't sweat the small stuff.