Horrible Heartburn

[SANDRA62]

What is everyone doing about this? The surgeon gave me some acid reducers after the surgery--but most of these meds say NOT to use for more than 14 days...of course it's worse when I'm in bed, but I get it sometimes during the day as well...I have NEVER EVER suffered from heartburn---I'm afraid of erosions and ulcers in my esophagus if I don't get this under control? Suggestions...?

[RhondaK72]

I take Omeprazole (aka Prilosec) on a regular basis, prescribed by my surgeon. You can buy it over the counter, but I think he prescribes it to help save me money. Heartburn is common with the gastric sleeve surgery. Many people have to take acid reducers to keep it under control.I hope you feel better soon.

[SANDRA62]

I know...I think that is what I take, but the warnings about NOT taking for more than 2 weeks is what worries me...probably just going to see my GP and see whathe says...maybe he can give me something I can take daily without worrying about side effects...?

[Tina Marie]

Try chewing a couple of papaya enzyme tablets. They really help with heartburn or if you have a feeling of something being stuck. I know at WalMart the are right in with the vitamins.

[browncurlygrl]

So sorry to hear you are suffering from acid issues. I rarely had problems with acid issues prior to VSG but it hit me with a vengeance after the surgery. I was also prescribed Omeprozale (Prilosec) after surgery but found it did very little to help. The symptoms were horrible, finally I went to my primary care doc who changed my meds to Prevacid (dissolve on my tongue) and this has worked like a charm. While Prilosec and Prevacid are similar they do work a bit differently. These two meds are called PPI's (proton pump inhibitors) they help the tiny acid pumps to stop producing so much acid. Other meds like Tums, Zantac or Pepcid assist with the acid that is already present in our tummies. Yes, usually the directions say do not take more than 14 days, I believe that is without your docs advice. Drug companies do have to cover themselves, right? I have been taking these meds prescribed by my doc for about 7 months now. I don't want to be on any types of medication but right now I have to believe that stopping the acid issues is far more important than not taking the meds and suffering the consequences that acid reflux can cause. Your tiny tummy is healing and it is very important to take care of it and help it recover. I will tell you this and this is not to discourage you but several people that post here are on these meds long term. I personally have gotten better and now take these meds like every 3 or 4 days. Talk to your surgeon or primary care as you have several options with the meds. Good luck

[Lalaangeleyes]

I am on the generic Prevacid as well. Never had heartburn before and now...oh my word! I keep trying to slowly reduce taking the pill and then my throat is on fire! Best advice...follow your doctor's orders. One other I did do was purchase a wedge pillow. Sleeping on the angle helps keep acid down at night (@least for me).

[bestnester]

The Prilosec you can buy says 14 day trial because if you still suffer after the treatment then you need to see a doc and get it looked at. It's a common side effect of the sleeve, many are on acid reducers.

[brooklyn_mom]

I took omeprazole for three months following the sleeve per my surgeons instructions.

[ScreamAndBeFree]

I take Protonix prescribed by surgeon. I don't think it has a 14 day warning.

[Lea]

If you read my earlier posts you will see I had issues with acid. I haven't been on anything in months and I am fine. I was convinced I would be on them for the rest of my life. I hope u get relief too

[azladyrider]

I didn't take many OTC remedies but what I found helped alot was hot tea. I would make a large cup of hot tea in the evening and then for dual purporse I would put a few teaspoons of MiriLax in it - I still had heartburn but the really bad attacks only lasted a few months

[MysticalMaybe]

I was on omeprazole. My doctor told me that's not really strong and its like an over the counter med. If I needed something stronger he would get it for me. so far I don't need it but if you are on omeprazole and still feel heart burn talk to your doc to give you something stronger.

[debbie56]

I am on Prilosec and it has been working for the most part, but right this minute I am on fire. Any quick right now solutions?

[calicojack42]

I had heartburn to the point that I was forming a rather uncomfortable globus in my throat. My doctor has me on 40mg of prevacid (that or prilosec, I can't recall right now) twice daily, but when I went to ask about the reflux he said it was mostly to prevent an ucler. I asked about Zantac, and he said that was fine to take so I went out and got the 150mg OTC stuff, and that killed my acid issues. Hope you get through yours quickly!

[niamh]

I was on a PPI - Lanzoprazole - for about 4.5 months.