ulcer/lifetime maintenance meds

I need some input,todayI saw my Nutritionist and we discussed the ulcer I was diagnosed with last month. She questioned why the surgeon told me I would have to stay on meds for the prevention of ulcers for the rest of my life. Now, I only received a call rom the surgeions office after the surgery,with this info and I don't see him til December. no mention of the H pulori bacteria, just ulcer diagnosis. Has anyone else had this experience? I will call his office next week and see if I can get some clarification> thanks in advance.......

I will be on Prevacid for life to prevent ulcers.  I didn't see what kind of surgery you are going to have, but I know RNY'ers are prone to ulcers after WLS. 

But - just from what I've heard on this board, not all Dr's say that.

I actually tried to take myself off of it - and realized that it was irritation that was making me think I was hungry all the time - so I started taking it again and those feelings went away.

But - do ask him and see what his answer is. 

Always good to check with your doc. I think Jody gave you some great advice already.
I think once you have one you may be prone to get another. Prevention is key.
Good luck
Maria

Im so glad i had my h pylori test and 3 week antibiotic cure before surgery . I was so torn up isnide from Chronic Gerd .. there were LESIONS in my esophagus . Thank God , they are healed now .

I have had a miraculous YEAR without having to get up in the middle oft he night with GERD , never feeling pain in my chest or regurgitating bile in my throat ... and i take no drugs .

Just FYI I TOLD my surgeon in no uncertain terms that i REFUSED to take expensive drugs that hardly worked for the rest of my life and to please FIX my huge hiatal hernia so i didnt have to .

He sewed me up tite as a drum down there !

The only drawback ( which im grateful for) is that I cant PUKE so i have to be very careful not to eat that extra bite or nibble on things that make me dump ... because i WILL pay the price ! .

U know what .. that good butt - kicking has actually taught me discipline around food ....

All surgeons are different. It is standard to take  PPI's for atleast 6 months post and many say for 1 year but there are those that do say for life.  I will be on them for life.  I have a history of 3 ulcers preop and had reflux so bad 10 years ago that I had  surgery to correct it. Unfortunately in order to have my RNY, I had to have the reflux surgery reversed.  Thankfully, I am reflux free and so far ulcer free but as a precaution, I will take protonix for the rest of my life.  If your surgeon tells you take it for life, it is a good idea. Any acid in our pouches can cause ulcers which are very painful and too much acid for longterm can actually lead to cancer.

One thing to know though is if you do take it for life, you must be vigilant about your calcium and vitamin D. PPI's long term can affect your bones but if you take your calcium and D like you should, it shouldnt' be a problem. Also get DEXA scans yearly to make sure everything is okay.

thanks all-I knew I wouldget good advice from the group ! I feel much better regarding this now and will do exactly what the surgeon says. Thanks all