PPIs (Prevacid/Prilosec/Nexium) Post RNY and VSG

[FluffyChix 17,415]

Hey y'all. Was trying to get a jump on surgery next week by going HEBing to stock-up on supplies. I currently have generic omeprazole tablets that I take 1x daily, but was planning on getting the capsules to make them more absorbable. I know that enteric coated pills and delayed release medicines aren't well absorbed by RNY and VSG tummies post surgery.

I was shocked to read that every single capsule or pill is either enteric coated (to protect the medicine from our stomach acid), and/or it was a delayed release capsule (for the same reason). What kind of omeprazole etc are you taking that is immediate release and easily swallowed? Do you have a special prescription? Or are H2 inhibitors/blockers an exception to the enteric coating/delayed release rule?

Thank you in advance!

Edited February 12, 2018 by FluffyChix

[LELH 72]

I'm taking Nexium and it's working great. No trouble at all. My doc said to try it for one month and then wean off. If heartburn is still there, he would write me a script.

[Sadiebug 206]

I take generic Nexium (esomeprazole) - the prescription strength which is enteric coated. I was taking it twice a day pre-surgery and now am down to once a day because of my weight loss and change in diet. I haven't had any issues with it since my RnY. I also eat tons of GERD "unfriendly" foods (spicy and acidic) now days and I for sure notice a difference if I skip my nexium so it is doing something even if I'm not absorbing as much as I used to.

[Miss Topaz 300]

I was sent home from the hospital with a prescription of omeprazole. It was capsules to take 2x per day. I had to open them and pour the little "sprinkle" into a little bit of applesauce on a spoon (only way to swallow the little suckers and not have them float around your mouth). At my 3 week appointment the doc told me to stop taking them. If I get reflux I can restart, but he thinks I should be fine. So, you may not need to stock up too much.

[KimTriesRNY 1,853]

I took omeprazole capsules. I opened them and poured the insides in my mouth then swallowed with Water or sauce. I had no problem with taking them this way . My prescription is for one year so I think it will vary greatly by surgeon. I’ve never had GERD and was surprised I had to take them for so long.

[Creekimp13 5,840]

Omeprazole here. We sprinkled them on sugar free Cool Whip...easy down the hatch.

My doc does four months worth on everyone and continues/discontinues on an individual basis after.

[Miss Topaz 300]

10 hours ago, KimTriesRNY said:

I took omeprazole capsules. I opened them and poured the insides in my mouth then swallowed with Water or sauce. I had no problem with taking them this way . My prescription is for one year so I think it will vary greatly by surgeon. I’ve never had GERD and was surprised I had to take them for so long.

I had a 45 day prescription with 3 refills, but he told me to stop after 3 weeks. But I have them if I have any discomfort!

[Beardman 52]

On 2/12/2018 at 9:52 AM, FluffyChix said:

Hey y'all. Was trying to get a jump on surgery next week by going HEBing to stock-up on supplies. I currently have generic omeprazole tablets that I take 1x daily, but was planning on getting the capsules to make them more absorbable. I know that enteric coated pills and delayed release medicines aren't well absorbed by RNY and VSG tummies post surgery.

I was shocked to read that every single capsule or pill is either enteric coated (to protect the medicine from our stomach acid), and/or it was a delayed release capsule (for the same reason). What kind of omeprazole etc are you taking that is immediate release and easily swallowed? Do you have a special prescription? Or are H2 inhibitors/blockers an exception to the enteric coating/delayed release rule?

Thank you in advance!

Sweet Lord, as a former Texas resident living in Oklahoma....I miss HEB!!!! My surgeon has requested that I use Pepcid instead of a PPI. But I didn't have reflux before surgery so it may be different for those already on a PPI. He wants us to take 20 mg twice daily for a year.

Edited February 21, 2018 by Beardman