Concerns About Future Acid Reflux

[Quarry]

Hey, Quarry. Long time, no see. Thanks for popping back in.

Hey there, Ann.

[Ann2]

He did mention Barrette's Esophagus (I tell you, I can remember things when I was three years old- which was ages ago, but forget things I just heard a few days ago). After seeing the words Barrettes Esophagus, I got a brain trigger. I believe he said (after asking my husband) that you can develop Barrette's with long term use (of 2 yrs and more) that will lead to Esophageal cancer. I will clarify when I see him end of the month because it's bugging me.

That would make more sense to me -- meaning only that it's compatible with what (I think) I've learned. But believe me, what passes for knowledge about WLS these days is changing pretty fast. I'd love to know what hear at future consultations with your surgeon. Around here, it's Live and Learn 24/7.

[Sandra3]

Now that I think of it, my doctor DID mention dementia and kidney problems without term use of PPI's.

When you look at the JAMA studies you will see that many people were old and taking a PPI because the 15 other medications were attacking their stomach.
I would rather prefer a study made only with younger patients who only have GERD and not multiple diseases. After the age of 70 the risk of dementia is higher for everyone anyway...same for kidney issues..

Any medication will have side effects after months/years. I tried really hard to stop my PPI after 6 months but it was really too painful.Plus I had to deal with some major stress at that time and I found out that stress is really an issue right now on my stomach, probably much more than before surgery. Reflux not treated can also create cancer cells...so at the end, the best way is to go gradually, understand that trying to stop or just lower the dosage will be hard. But go for it anyway, be strict with the diet during that time because it will help a lot.

Like Ann said, the field of bariatric surgery and after care is changing every day. The more I learn the more I feel I know nothing! It took my third nut class (I mean university class) last year to understand that my supplements should have been higher/stronger since day one post-op because of my issue with IBS and chronic anemia. I also tried to stop the PPI early for that same reason, the malabsorbtion.