Question:
'Gerd'

I am in the process for the RNY. I have SERIOUS Gerd 'acid reflux disease' which requires my taking an Nexium (the purple pill) EVERY day to control the symptoms. W/o it; all day is hell. I know after the surgery, I won't be able to take any kind of pills or capsules, what am I to do? I cannot go a day w/o it or I'm in trouble. Any advice & hearing from others w/ the same problems they have or had is greatly appreciated! Thanks!    — SPIRIT2002 (posted on July 28, 2009)

July 28, 2009
Don't worry you will be able to take your pills. YOu can either crush them or cut them in half. Some vitamins and the essential vitamins etc we need come in liquid form. But once you feel comfortable with your "new pouch" and you have healed some, you can take pills. But be careful, some pills are the size of torepedos. So check with your pharmacist and ask him what the size of the pill is. Your stoma or opening to the pouch is only the size in width of your little pinkie finger. So see, one stress issue gone. LOL When you are post op soon you won't need that medication any more, as your gerd will be gone. Mine was. take care.
   — Kristy

July 28, 2009
Don't worry at about that... When I left the hospital after having my RNY, the doctor gave me a prescription for nexium (the purple pill)he said for me to start taking it when I felt I could and continue to take it for three months.I was able to take it 2 days after I left the hospital. I didn't have any problem swallowing that pill.It is so small and all you need is a small sip to get it down. Good Luck on your surgery.
   — mriles

July 28, 2009
I had RNy 4 weeks ago and have been taking Nexium? you can take medicine postop. You just have to take 1 pill at a time with a sip of water. I have had no problem with Nexium postop and am glad that I can take it. After you are postop in a few months, talk with your doctor about trying to not take a nexium and see what happens. RNY is supposed to get rid of GERD as well as other stomach issues. I will be trying that in another 2-3 months. Good luck to you!
   — Cindy W.

July 28, 2009
I take Rantadine everyday prescribed by my doctor. It really works take it in the morning and it will surely help the GERD. Good luck.
   — lesleigh07

July 29, 2009
i worried about this as well. i had rny on July 2nd and haven't needed the nexium at all. And, like you, i couldn't go a day without it. Now, i have a tums at night before bed, and occasionally, i need one during the day for heartburn at the top of my esophagus. good luck with your surgery.
   — catmar

July 29, 2009
My doc prescribed chewable Prevacid for my acid reflux. I took it for the first 6 months and no longer need it at all. Good luck to you.
   — ranell1

July 29, 2009
I also have gerd. My Dr. gave me chewable prevacid after surgery. Soon after I didn't need it at all. Then yrs later my gerd returned. Don't let your gerd get out of control like I did, because now I've lost some of the enamal on my teeth and you cannot get it back. Best of luck to you. Omee
   — Omee_2009