Omeprazole and Kidneys

I just heard that PPIs are really bad for Kidney function. I wouldn't normally be too concerned, but I already have low Kidney function and am on the transplant  list waiting for a kidney. I can't do anything to cause further damage. My numbers have been holding steady and I haven't had to have dialysis yet, and would like to keep it that way. Does anyone out there have a similar condition? If so what are you doing?

I don't have a kidney problem, but I decided a while back not to take PPI's, because I'd rather have stomach ulcers than malfunctioning kidneys -- and there isn't even a whole lot of evidence that sleeve patients are helped by PPI's after surgery, in terms of preventing stomach ulcers.

I would strongly suggest talking to your surgeon and PCP or nephrologist about the best course of action for you.

What has your surgeon said in regard to this?

I think it's something that needs to be discussed in great detail with your kidney specialist, taking into account all factors.  A stomach ulcer may seem like no big deal but it IS when you have only 1/5 of the tummy you used to have.  Plus excess stomach acid that creeps up into the esophagus can lead to cancer.  So, yes it can be a very big deal.  

However, kidney failure is a HUGE deal and I can certainly understand you not wanting to jeopardize your current kidney function. 

There's plenty of people that only need to take a PPI for a couple months after surgery and then never need it again.  I've finally weaned off of it after 2-1/2 years of being on it.  But boy did I need it!  

I absolutely could not live without a PPI for a couple years post op. I was in so much pain and distress without it. But I've been off for months and no problems. Not everyone has acid issues post op so yeah...something worth talking to the specialists about. 

This is a big concern of mine.  I developed a pretty severe case of GERD post sleeve and am maxed on on PPI's at the moment.  I'm working with my surgeon on a treatment plan because we both agree that there is a risk of kidney damage (as well as bone loss) from long term PPI usage.  I would definitely follow your kidney doctor's advice but you may see if your kidney doctor and WL surgeon will communicate with each other to see if they can come up with a compromise course of action.  My surgeon is great about that and will communicate with my primary care doctor on certain issues.  Sometimes two heads are better than one. 

Definitely a good thing to discuss with your surgeon and nephro! 

I, personally, do not have kidney issues and am not ready to stop my PPI. I can feel when Ive gone two or three days without it! Maybe if I took another 20 lbs off, but who knows.