Question:
How long do we have to stay on Prevacid?

Will WLS patients need to stay on Prevacid short-term or is this for life? One of the pros for having the surgery and losing weight is to hopefully eliminate some of the medicines I'm currently on.    — Starrlina (posted on May 5, 2003)

May 4, 2003
I was never prescribed Prevacid. Is this a commonly prescribed medication after WLS? And if so, why? Any answers would be appreciated! ***Amy LAP RNY 04-09-03
   — Amy A.

May 4, 2003
Some docs do not routinely prescribe this medicine or nay other stomach med. I was, however, precribed Zantac which is similar, to protect my pouch from acid. I was told I would only be on it a few months. But, as often stated here, all our docs do different things.
   — Delores S.

May 4, 2003
I'm not sure of the rationale behind prescribing Prevacid post op. I was never on it or anything like it, and, in fact, any reflux problems should be gone after RNY surgery.
   — koogy

May 5, 2003

   — Denise W.

May 5, 2003
I was actualy told to get a box of chewable pepcid, and take 1 in the morning, and 1 at night to keep down acid procduction. My doc says I'll be on it pretty much for the rest of my life, as acid can cause ulceration near the staple line. Each doc is different.
   — mellyhudel