heartburn

sarah b · April 11, 2011

hi all! just wondering is constant heartburn is normal? its driving me crazy. i am just over 2 weeks post sleeve and have had heartburn all day and all night since 3 days post op. i have had 4 babies and had heartburn the whole 9 months each time and thought i was done with it!!! it is still very uncomfortable to take pills but i have taken ranitodine several times but what i am worried about is taking these acid reducing meds for an extended amount of time. can they have long term effects on my new smaller stomach? liver? other organs? our surgery was done in mexico so i wont be having any post op appointments with my surgeon so i thought i would try to get some answers here!

Tiffykins · April 11, 2011

The ranitidine(Zantac) isn't going to stop the acid, it's only going to treat the symptoms since it's an H2 blocker, and not a PPI.

The long term concern with PPI or H2 blocker is that these drugs impede Calcium absorption. So, the recommendation to take 1200-1500mg of calcium citrate is there to protect your bones.

I've been on Prilosec since I was 6 weeks post-VSG, and switched over to Nexium in January with zero change in my liver enzymes, or any other labs.

I would recommended getting some OTC Prilosec or Prevacid, take it first thing in the morning and wait 1 hour before you start eating. It can take 4--14 days for the PPI to kick in to max efficacy so don't be discouraged if it doesn't work immediately. You can also use Gaviscon in between per the label directions to help with breakthrough acid until the Prilosec or Nexium kick in.

Barrett's esophagus is nothing to play with so don't wait for the reflux to just get better. Most VSG patients need to be on a true PPI for 3-6 months post surgery, and some need it longer. I choose to stay on it and I'm 22 months out.