Stomach Acid and the Band

I've been pondering the association of the lab band to stomach acid production for quite a while.  I've had problems with too much stomach acid, gastritis, esophagitis, and an ulcer since having the band (even with a moderate fill level).  I know I'm not alone, because I've read of several other people on here with similar issues.  I've wondered about the cause, speculating that the band itself might be stimulating acid production somehow, or maybe impeding proper function of the esophagus.

However, I've been reading a lot about the causes and cures of too much stomach acid, and one thing keeps coming up: Too much protein.  Apparently, protein is difficult to digest, so the body has to produce more acid to digest it.  Acid suppressors, like the PPI that I am on, keep the body from producing excess acid, but they can be very difficult to go off of, because there's a rebound effect of hyper-acidity.  I'm attempting to gradually go off of the Dexilant that I'm on, which is why I've spent time researching this. (Dexilant is very expensive, and taking PPIs long-term can lead to a variety of other health issues, with bone loss/osteoporosis being a major risk.)   I would like to get the acid problem solved, and get off of PPIs, before getting my currently empty band re-filled and back in gear.  

Since being banded, I've focused on getting in that all-important protein.  But, now I'm wondering if that's exactly what caused my gastric issues.  I'm going to try scaling back on the protein, and make sure that I eat plenty of veggies with protein.  I'm also taking a couple of herbal supplements (ginger and DGL) to improve digestion and reduce acidity.   This is going to take some time and adjustment, but I seriously hope it works.  I'll let ya'll know if it does.

If anyone has any thoughts on reducing stomach acid, and especially tips on going off of a PPI medication, I'd love to hear them!

Tami

Tami

Are you drinking lots of water because that is supposed to help with the acid.  I had too much acid, heart burn with the band.  Even with no fills


Tamara

 I do drink *lots* of water.  One tip that I read regarding stomach acid goes hand-in-hand with the "band rules".  It said drink plenty of water before a meal, but no water with the meal or just after.  The reason is that we actually need stomach acid to digest our food, and if it's diuted with water, the food doesn't digest properly, and "ferments" in the stomach, which, guess what...produces more acid.  

Tami

Tami,

That is something to really think about . There are days I eat way more protein then I really need to .  I just love my protein and I'm a horrible with veggies it's always been that way with me.

My doc told me there is no reason to be eating anything over 80 grams per day and he said that is really to much at times.  He told me about 20 grams of protein per meal . Which is usually like one chicken thigh once its cooked down that is the example he used .

Sitting here thinking about this the first thing I grab is something with protein in it when I get hungry because everybody is always telling you protein will keep  you fuller which is true but like you said to much protein can be just as bad also .

Very interesting post Tami. I would have never though of this before .

 Protein does provide satiety, but so does fat.  I'm actually upping my intake of "good" fat, especially organic virgin coconut oil.  I use it to cook, and even add a tsp to my one cup of morning coffee or smoothie. I agree with you, 70-80g is all we need.  I had fallen into the "low-carb" mentality that all protein all the time is good.  Funny thing is, I actually lost my weight with a more moderate, balanced approach, but when I had some small re-gains, I opted for low-carb/high protein.   

Tami

Did you ever try prevacid it is much cheaper and has worked welll for me. I hope your able to find some help. I had gastritis really bad after a problem after having a NG tube after the birth of my baby and Aloe Vera seemed to help. But I still take previcid everyday. I know it's not great but for now it works.

 Actually, Prevacid is what I'm using to transition off of the Dexilant.  I went from 60mg Dexilant to 15mg Prevacid24.  But, I really want to get off of PPIs completely.  I've been on them (on and off) for three years.  Every time I go off, I get heartburn rebound, and end up going back on.  When I researched them a bit, I found out that they severely impact the absorption of calcium and can lead to osteoporosis.  *Plus* calcium is needed in the digestive process to help neutralize excessive stomach acid.  So, you take the med to reduce acid, it impacts your body's ability to use the calcium you eat, you produce *more* acid to compensate, and the needed calcium is leeched from your bones.  Nasty conundrum, huh?  

Tami

I've been away all summer, but I'm glad I popped in today. Good to see you here Tami! I've always looked up to you and admired your success!

I'm sorry you are having acid issues. Please keep us posted on your research and I hope you find an easy fix.

 Hi there!  Good to see an old friend.  I appreciate your kind words, and say, "ditto!" right back atcha!

Tami

 Just wanted to add this information which I just came across, just in case someone else who is dealing with acid reflux and taking PPI meds comes across this post:

www.reporternews.com/news/2011/aug/08/heartburn-drugs-may-ra ise-risk-of-esophageal/

Apparently, a new study shows that long-term PPI use is actually indicated in an *increased* risk for esophageal cancer, because althought the amount of acid is reduced (and symptoms diminished), the stomach contents are still washing over the esophagus, which can lead to cancer :-(  Yet another reason to go off the meds!

Tami