Weaning off the PPI
by
, 03-01-2017 at 01:23 AM (3799 Views)
The majority of sleevers will get a prescription for a PPI after surgery. I started mine the day after surgery (lanzoprazole 30 mg). While it was a huge help because post-op I had some serious reflux almost immediatly, I tried to stop it several times. My surgeon told me to try around one month or later if my first attempt was not successful.
One month out was really too early for me.
At about six months out I tried again, it felt better but then I had a treatment for a virus issue and then stopping the PPI was excluded, I actually had to get a higher dosage for three days. I was also really stressed and stress is a trigger.
One week later I went from 30mg to 15 mg. Then gradually I took it every two days, then every three days. Two weeks ago I stopped it completely.
So here is the trick: when you stop, you need to get ready for a fire in your stomach. It's going to be wild for a few days. So it's hard not to go back to the PPI but since it's only temporary, we have to be patients. I took Tumms and it did help a lot. I was also watching my diet to avoid any trigger, and was careful to have my dinner at least 3 hours before bed time.
The first time I lowered my dosage, I noticed that the strong nausea I had since surgery was gone almost over night.
I suspect that part of my nausea issue was probably one of the side effect from the PPI.
Now I really wanted to stop completely because I've been dealing with multiple deficiencies, it's not improving even when taking really high doses of supplements, so at some point my doc et nut said it could be also linked to the PPI. So my next blood test will tell!
While a PPI is so useful to help our sleeve to heal, does protect us from harsh chloridric acid that could damage our teeth and esophagus, the long term use of a PPI is not recommended by doctors. I'm glad I was finally able to stop it, at 13 months!
It does require some serious planning (get enough Tumms in advance, I had to have it imported!) but planning your meals is also important. I did stay away from many triggers during those two past weeks, from tea to nuts.
Right now I'm not taking Tumms at all, so my stomach might be ok now.
That took much longer than anticipated!