GERD post surgery

I just got off the phone with my Weight Loss Group doctor, Dr.Keroack. I have begun having GERD again even though I am post op since 12/06. I explained my symptoms and how I have a hoarse, scratchy throat. My ENT and gastroenterologist have told me how I have this powerful GERD that comes up and burns my vocal cords and esophogus. Both encouraged me to lose weight, cut out coffee, and do not eat after 8PM. The GERD and the hoarseness went away with treatment and the following of the protocols laid down. This has been a long time problem for me that had been successfully treated with medicine. However, most people no longer have GERD or indigestion after the WLS. The part of the stomach that produces the most acid is now cut off. Dr.Keroack explained that some individuals have acid producing cells in the remaining stomach, rare but it does happen. He feels that I am one of those people. He is calling in a medicine for me that will be easy to swallow and I am to monitor myself and all the office back if I see an improvement in a few days. I know that Rusty posted about having this problem. Are there others out there having a similiar problem. Good luck to us. I would not trade having had this surgery ever. I have lost weight, feel better all around and am enjoying finding me. Monica

Hi Monica..... Sorry to hear you are having problems. I had my surgery 12/28 and I've had 1 episode of severe heartburn about 2 weeks post-op. My doctor automatically puts his patients on Prevacid Solutabs and that has really helped. I think the reason I ended up with the 1 episode of heartburn was b/c I waited just before I went to bed to take my pain med and it just sat in my pouch. I, like you , would do this all over again. In 3 weeks I've lost 32 # and already down a pant size! Best Wishes, and hope the medicine helps! Sharon

I had it before WLS but so far not after. However, my dr has us take a stomach medicine for a few months after surgery while the body is adjusting to all that is new. Vicky PS: i do Nexium

I had severe acid reflux after surgery. I called my doc & they said it was impossible, but I know what it feels like. I had it for years before surgery. I just went back on the meds I took before surgery and that took care of it. It stinks, because I thought surgery would take care of this.

Hi there. I had an experience with GERD at about two weeks post-op. I was worried so I called my doctor's office. The nurse adviced me to return to a clear, liquid diet for the remainder of the day and to chew a couple of sugar-free Tums. She said that I had probably ate or drank too much and my pouch was irritated. I did what she said and the GERD went away. I haven't had any more episodes since then and I'm now 4 weeks post-op. I hope that the medication your doctor prescribes for you gives you some relief. I had GERD before the surgery and took Prevacid daily. I know what GERD feels like!