Question:
Why do some have to take an antacid and others do not?

I know as everyone else does that we are ALL DIFFERENT, as well as our Doctor's. My doctor has me on Prevacid (antacid med) and says I will have to take it the rest of my life, but have talked with other WLS patients and they do not have to take any antacid medication. Was wondering how many of you might or might not be taking an antacid medication? Lap RNY 3/12/03, down 60lbs., have stalled out. Thanks for your response.    — Sherel H. (posted on July 10, 2003)

July 10, 2003
I am also on prevacid. I started taking it in april when my EGD showed ulcers. I just had my surgery on June 16th and my drs says I will only need to be on it for another month.
   — SINDI W.

July 10, 2003
I had terrible hearburn/acid reflux for years prior to having surgery. I took medication for years. My surgeron gave me a 30 day supply of Protonix, but after a few weeks I wuit taking it and have had no symptoms since. Barb 4/07/03 235/180/126-130
   — Barbara C.

July 10, 2003
I wonder if there is a connection between GERD and the type of WLS? I would be curious what type of procedure the three of you had? DS, RNY proximal or dystal? or banding? I do realize every body is different, but I still wonder?
   — sissie S.

July 10, 2003
I was put on this medicine in the hospital. Some docs just routinely do it as a precaution because we are so prone to ulcers and etc. Some docs are just not enlightened about our needs yet. They are kind of learning as they go.
   — Delores S.

July 11, 2003
I just asked my surgeon about this, because he does not have us taking it. He says there are no studies indicating that WLS patients are getting ulcers any more than non-WLS patients. If he prescribes medication for the rest of my life he feels it would be the same as saying everyone (WLS and non-WLS) should take it-because you might get an ulcer. By the way, I go to a very reputable and educated surgeon. Just because a surgeon has a different opinion doesn't mean they do not have the knowledge.
   — Cheryl S.

July 11, 2003
I was prescribed pepsid after surgery, just to lower the acid amount around newly cut tissue. I am very anti-medications, and even tho this made sense...I didn't take it. 6 months following surgery I developed an ulcer, which according to my surgeon WLS patients are more likely to get ulcers. The ulcer I developed did not respond to 6 months worth of medication and treatment, I had to have it surgically removed. I took prevacid for 3 months following surgery, and am currently taking pepsid daily to prevent anything more. My surgeon did not recomend that I continue after the three months, but said it wouldnt hurt. After experiencing the pain and agony that I went through for the 6 months that I had the ulcer...I will keep pepsid with me for the rest of my life. Just my experience. :)
   — RebeccaP

July 11, 2003
Most docs put people on antacids so they don't inadvertantly hurt their esophagus' I took it for a few weeks, then didn't need it anymore. I haven't taken any for the past 18 months... I am a Lap RNY 19 month post-op and down 227 lbs. Stalled out?? Read my profile for help on that! :~)
   — Sharon M. B.