2 part question..
I know that heartburn can be a common problem for post-ops. Sometimes OTC medication will do the trick. Sometimes not.
Here (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada), I had the VSG in February. My surgeon sent me home with a 12-month prescription of Lansoprazole to control heartburn and stomach acid. I am told to take that FIRST THING in the morning to prevent any possible problems. I've also heard that Zantac can work wonders for some people.
I would recommend that you talk to your surgeon/center and see what they can do for you. They've certainly seen this before. I am sure they would know what you need. Wishing you lots of luck and hoping you find relief soon.
OTTAWA -- 2011 - Contemplated WLS Feb. 15, 2013 - GP Feb. 20 - lung functioning Feb. 22 - blood work Feb. 27 - Referral April 19 - orientation, bloodwork July 10 - nurse July 23 - rheumatologist (VSG) Sept. 12 - Behaviourist & Dietician Oct. 23 - Echocardiogram Nov. 6 - Pre-surgery Class Nov. 12 - Surgeon Jan 13, 2014 - Optifast (3 wks) Jan. 27 - PATTS Feb. 3, 2014 - Surgery (VSG)
HEIGHT: 5'5" HW 303 Pre-Opti 297 SW 271 GW 170 CW 200 (Feb. 8, 2018 - damn the regain!) VSG with Dr. Yelle
Yes and it was bad and Tums didn't begin to touch it. I had to go on a prescription PPI for reflux - Protonix 40 mg a day. I'm starting to wean off it now. Don't waste time getting this addressed - acid can do very bad things to our small tummies and cause lots of future problems. Excess acid and chronic reflux have been linked to esophageal and stomach cancers.
If Prilosec or other OTC things don't work talk to your doctor and get a strong prescription med.
ETA: And I just saw that you live in Nebraska and go to the same practice I do! (different doctor, same practice). Call them and let them know you are having problems, you do NOT need to be suffering with this.