Two Questions

[Miaoreo 134]

Two questions for those a little further down the line post op.

I am 2 1/2 months post op and just started getting what I would call acid reflux, If I eat anything even close to bedtime I wake up 30 min to an hour later with stomach acid coming up in my throat... UGH. My Dr did not prescribe anthing for acid, but I take one occasionally. Would you just start taking one every day or continue only as needed. Or is this a sign of something more serious. This just started recently. And I might add, I can only eat very small portions.

2nd. My brother whom I am very close to and was my inspiraton for having WLS was sleeved by the same doctor in April. He now says his appetite has returned in full force and has gained 10 pounds back! I am terrified this will happen to me, I want to lose weight not gain it back! He does have an issue with his foot which is making it impossible to exercise. But still to regain your appitite after 5 months or so is scary. Is this normal?

[LAG50 46]

My doc prescribed an antacid that I must take for the first several months. I'm sure it should be the same for everyone, at least, until your system is stable. I don't think they work when taken periodically, I think you must take them daily. As some don't do well with other meds you may be taking, I would ask your local pharmacist. I would definitely be taking one. I also read that the procedure could, possibly, increase symptoms of reflux. You may be one of those folks.

Sorry to hear about your brother. I think we all have the fear of regaining weight. We all understand that the surgery is just a piece of the puzzle. Some call it a tool. It is not the ultimate "fix it" for weight loss. It must be accompanied by strict diet and exercise to be successful. And if the exercise portion is not possible - I imagine the diet part would have to be even more strict and compliant. Most of us should have also bee taught that while the surgery restricts our ability to eat as much as we used to - it does not eliminate our cravings or urge to eat as we have most of our lives. That is purely emotional and must be approached as such. The procedure doesn't fail us - we fail the procedure/program.

Encourage brother to find comply with the meal plan. Encourage him to find something/anything in the way of exercise. Even chair exercising is out there as well as Water exercise which is virtually no impact on the foot.

Be strong and stay connected to forums such as this. You will both do well. It just takes work and commitment in addition to the surgery.

Best wishes to you and bro..

[Miaoreo 134]

Thank you! I will talk to the pharmacist about what acid reducer to take... And the Water exercise... I never even thought of that! I will tell him

Thanks!

[Bufflehead 6,358]

Acid reducers are great, but for most people what works best with nighttime acid reflux is to absolutely stop eating anything or drinking anything other than Water three hours before bedtime. You may want to try some vigilance there and see if it works for you. It does for me!

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Three months is about when I started to have some appetite come back, but I still max out at about a cup of food or 1/2 cup of Fluid. I, too have to struggle to not regain at ten months out because of nerve issues in my leg making exercise excruciatingly painful. I have been stuck between 172 and 175 for over three months in spite of staying around 800 calories.

One thing that might help your brother are videos by David Stamps. You can check him out on Youtube. He has several different videos for people who have physical challenges to exercise. My favorite of his is Chair Boxing.

[I'mDoingIt! 88]

Hi. I agree with Bufflehead. Don't eat a few hours before bedtime. I have learned the hard way, just like you. I used to eat right before bed all the time. Every time I have done it since WLS, I am up in the middle of the night throwing up (probably 5-6 times). I have learned my lesson. Why take pills if you don't need to? If you don't eat before bedtime, it won't happen.

And, as we try to develop better eating habits, eating before bedtime is always a NO.

As for your brother, that is my biggest fear too. Right now I have no hunger issues (other than mental hunger). I hope that continues for as long as possible because each day makes me stronger.

God luck!