Horrible Reflux

[cheranic18 0]

I probably just havent read far enough yet, but I had my sleeve surgery on June 4th. I have had horrible reflux, while taking zantac, since. I also have to sleep sitting up. Any help on how long this is going to last, or is this normal?

I also have not had a solid bowel movement since coming home.

Any help or comments would be appreciated.

[Patoonces 13]

I had reflux before and now worse after since my stomach is so tiny the acid has no where to go. One thing that helps, no eating near lying down, even a nap.

[ladykatie_ 117]

I've heard and read... and I could be wrong... that sometimes the sleeve can cause refllux or make reflux worse. Your surgeon or doctor should have sent you home with a script for omeprazole (generic acid reflux med). I've had acid reflux ever since I can remember and since the bypass it has definitely lessened. However, my doc requires all patients take omeprazole (or something similar) for at least 6 months after surgery.

I would call your doctor and see what your options are. I'm sure some meds would help a lot.

[marfar7 1,533]

I had severe nightime reflux pre-sleeve due to a slipped lapband. Rx Prilosec 2x a day + OTC Zantac helped some but didn't totally relieve it. Thought if I got the lapband out, it would help.

While it's gotten better since my revision 11 mths ago, it's still there. Everytime I attempt to go without my Prilosec (now take 40mg 2x a day), I wake up choking on stomach acid and it takes hours to get it under control.Not sure if it's the sleeve that caused it or the actual damage that my band did, cuz what caused it to begin with is gone now. U'd think the reflux would be also.

If I hafta take 2 pills a day forever, then so be it. Had I known about this before my revision, I might've chosen the RNY. But whats done is done and I'm not doing a 3rd wls. I'll just take the meds forever. I guess it's somewhat better cuz I don't need the OTC Zantac anymore. Just Rx Prilosec 2x a day and Tums as needed (about 1-2x a week). Much better than weighing 250 lbs!

Good luck!

[inkyinkerton 0]

I had SEVERE reflux after my surgery as well, and was up to 4 Prilosec a day, plus Tums as needed. When I talked to the ARNP, she actually said it may be bile reflux, not acid reflux (I'd had my gallbladder removed in 2005 and not had any type of reflux problems before surgery). She said the best way to find out what type of reflux it is - when you're having a bout of reflux, suck on a raw lemon. (horrible I know) - but if it's BILE reflux, vs acid reflux, the lemon will help IMMEDIATELY. i still take Prilosec once a day, and my reflux has been under control for the past 6 months or so. If I ever feel some reflux coming on, I cut 1 segment of lemon, suck it down and I'm all better!

Hope that helps

[cheranic18 0]

Thank you all. I was sent home with liquid zantac. It tastes like hell but if it will start working I wouldnt mind. Its slacking off a little now, so I guess I need to have patience.