Stupid Question..Need Knowledge from VSGers

GERD and acid reflux are the same thing.  The initials are "PPI" and stand for Proton Pump Inhibitor.  That means it inhibits the gastrointestinal acid production to keep the acid levels low.  These are taken BEFORE you put anything in your mouth for the day to prevent excess acid production.  The stuff like Pepcid is to stop acid AFTER it happens.  Hope that helps.

 Thank you! This helps a lot! I learn so much on here! I was close, PIP! hahaha

I am almost 2 years out and have GERD for years.  I take prilosec everyday and have no problems at all. 

My surgeon has me on GERD meds before and after surgery.  He said the occurance of GERD is higher with the VSG because of the pressure created by the smaller stomach.  According to him he wants me on this for the rest of my life so I don't develop more issues or complications from GERD.  I have never had it before in my life, I actually had to learn how to burp since my surgery....lol It seems every doctor is different.

I was told I would be on anti acids for a year to prevent...

do you have a hiatal hernia? if so, it can usually be repaired during vsg surgery so ask you doc. i had one, had it repaired during vsg and now i have no gerd.

but all vsg patients have to take a ppi for awhile after surgery for a number of months. i was able to get rid of mine after 6 months or so. some people are able to and some not. seems like most people who have to stay on those ppi drugs were on them before surgery.

i don't think its the protein  - just the fact of your stomach being altered and producing extra acid for awhile.  diane

I had issues with GERD before surgery and am still on my PPI since surgery. I don't know if its helping or not since I tend to get nauseous after I take it. But definitely something to discuss with your doc and or surgeon.

Some people actually have their acid *reduced* after VSG, depending on their body. Some people have no problems with this. Taking a PPI every day (which I do) is a small price to pay in my book.

I never had acid issues before surgery.  After surgery I took an acid reducer, not a PPI, for maybe a month (the prescription that Dr. A had given me was) and have never had acid issues after surgery.

Kind of luck of the draw stuff, like whether you will or will not lose hair, will or will not have to buy new shoes.  :}

I had horrible acid issues pre-op - I slept on a 45 degree slanted pilow- some nights upright in a chair- I took Dr A's rx post op and continued PPIs for about 1 year. Now I am just careful to not eat close to bed time- drink lots of water and use an occasional Tums.

Any time I eat sugary foods I get horrible acid so I have learned to avoid sugar except for an occasional Godiva piece or a small cup of gellato