Question:
what is pre-op reflux? how do I know if I have it? is it a comorbidity?

Last night (this is not the first time) I was awakened by suddenly sitting upright, gasping for air and having the taste of vomit in my mouth and throat. Is this reflux?    — Becky H. (posted on May 10, 2000)

May 10, 2000
It certainly is and it is called GERD (Gastro Eshopical Reflux Disease). Your Physician can prescribe Prilosec which will help control it. Also, raising the head of the bed about six inches will help and watching what you eat. Greasy food and things like Turkey do it to me. It is an awful feeling and if not controlled can lead to cancer of the esophagus. It is my understanding that 90% of people with GERD are cured after WLS! Good luck.
   — Barbara S.

May 10, 2000
I also had acid reflux disease. It is a terrible feeling especially waking up in the middle of the night gasping for breath. When I had my wfl surgery I didn't have it any more.
   — Sharon T.

May 10, 2000
You betcha, baby, you've got it. But seriously, it does sound like that's what you're having. See a doctor about this. When I was pre-op, I had horrible reflux. I had to take OTC medication (over the counter) every night before I went to bed. Twice if I had eaten the usual GERD problemed foods, like tomato products or chocolate. Immediately post-op my doc started me on Pepcid, which didn't stop the problem. My doc doesn't understand why I'm still having symptoms, so my options were to try Prilosec (which further decreases stomach acid production), or a scope to see what's happening in there. I chose to try the meds, which have worked beautifully. As long as I take the Prilosec, I have no symptoms. Most post-op patients see a dramatic decrease or complete relief of their symptoms after surgery. Jaye Carl, RN, open proximal RNY(divided) 7-29-99, 104 pounds gone forever!
   — Jaye C.

May 10, 2000
GERD is a horrible thing to have! A lot of people who have GERD not only have the reflux but they also experience indigestion, heartburn and sour stomach. I know for me before my surgery, I never put it together that my weight affected how my stomach functioned. And it wasn't until close to my surgery date, did I find out that the chronic indigestion and GERD I was having was related to my weight. I, too, was put on Pepic for 4 weeks post op and I have not had an episode of any type since having the surgery. No heartburn, no indigestion...NOTHING! And trust me, I am relieved =) It is an awful feeling so if I were you, I would try to see if my PCP would prescribe something until you have surgery. Good Luck...
   — Marni