Question:
Do any of you post-op RNY-ers take a digestive enzyme?

Do any of you post-op RNY-ers take a digestive enzyme? A woman at GNC tried to sell me a digestive enzyme the other day, telling me that it would help me digest my vitamins, minerals, and food better. It adds hydrochloric acid to the stomach, and she says that hydrochloric acid is essential to proper digestion. I know we don't have stomach acid in our pouches any longer, so I didn't know if taking the digestive enzyme would hurt the pouch. Also, I know that we WANT some digestion problems (malabsorption) in order to lose weight. What do you all think? Have any of you asked your surgeon specifically about taking a digestive enzyme?    — Kristie B. (posted on May 25, 2002)

May 25, 2002
Hi - My doctor has me taking Pepcid AC plus a medicine called Raglan to help develop and protect the surgery area in the new and old stomachs.
   — Ken H.

May 25, 2002
You hit the nail on the head. We BOUGHT malabsorption, just as you said. They use digestive enzymes to stop the wt loss. Precisely. A rumor went through our local group that they'd make the gas stop and that people could take less protein supp with these. Every single one gained wt. Some figured it out & stopped ASAP. No, the docs said, you only get more calories, and not enough more nutrition to sabotage the wt loss.
   — vitalady

May 25, 2002
Hi there!! My doctor gave me a prescription to take with my food but I don't use it for food because I don't want to gain back any weight. I do take it with my liquid protein and liquid vitamins.also, I may take it with a food that is low fat and high protein , like tuna or salmon etc...I wouldn't take it with a regular meal. Good Luck!!!
   — Laura G.