Why am I taking Pepcid everyday?

[fatnomo 102]

Following orders but curious as to why? Never had an acid problem prior to surgery.

[fyre_storm 1,412]

Cause it may or may not occur. I wasn't put on any but others have. Had a doc appointment and he said if I hadn't experienced yet and I'm 2.5 months then I won't have it.

[mrs.thang 19]

My discharge nurse told me that it was to keep the acid from building or laying on/at the incision.

[clk 3,519]

Why are you taking Pepcid at all? I see it's doctor's orders but a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) is far more common and effective.

The PPI slows the acid production so that your body has time to "learn" that you have a much smaller stomach and no longer need as much acid. Not everyone suffers it, but a huge number of sleevers have acid problems post op. In most cases it resolves within 6 months to a year. For some people it goes on past a year.

But Pepcid (or Tums) will only address the symptoms of the overproduction. It will also interfere with Iron absorption. So I'd caution that if you're taking the pills (because you need them) that you talk to your doctor about Prilosec or a similar PPI instead of the Pepcid.

If you find you don't need the Pepcid (and therefore have no need for a PPI), that's great. You're lucky if that's the case.

~Cheri

Edited to add: I'm picturing the chewable Pepcid tablets but if you're taking the small pill that you swallow it will not work the same exact way as a PPI but will do much the same thing: inhibit acid production. If you don't think you need it, try a day without it. You'll know for sure if you need it after that.

[iggychic 1,405]

Are you sure it' pepcid? Cheri covered the PPI issue (which is what most are prescribed).

You could easily quit taking it and see if you really need something. If you do, prevacid is a better option as it does not interfere with mineral absorption. I'd chat with the doc. If you don't need it (quit and if you're fine you don't) than just be happy you can say goodbye to another medical bill LOL

[mommyradd 115]

I was told to prevent an ulcer, and that 6 weeks out, I could stop.

[Nicolanz 1,484]

I've never had a problem either until this surgery! If I forget to take my PPI, I get heartburn!

[amhazeleyes 27]

I was told by my post op surgery guidelines to take Pepcid Ac once a day for one month.