For those of you took a PPI and then stopped...

I started taking a PPI (Prilosec) since about one week post op due to heartburn.  But, I've been struggling with weird bowel movements... one day too soft, next day hard/constipated.  Dropped the fiber gummies a few months ago because they were #1 becoming a trigger for binging and #2 gave me smelly gas.  

Fast forward to three days ago when I took a fiber gummy to get some constipation relief... did the trick, but gave me bad bad gas... next day didn't take one... got horrible rebound constipation.  So, stopped the Prilosec two days ago.  Reflux mostly non-existent since then.  

Do you think it will last?  Am I free of the Prilosec?  Do you think stopping the PPI will help my fluctuating bowel issues?

I have some fiber gummies on order at health food store but maybe I won't go get them. I did buy some tea called smooth move and drank it and it worked well. I take ppi and probably always will. I also take Zantac so if you don't want to go back to the ppi try the zantac. it really works well and is on the $4 list at walmart.

I was told by my surgeon's MD to take the Prilosec for two to three months then try taking a break from it and see how I fared. If I didn't need it great, if I did start right back up. She said it takes anywhere from a few months to about a year and a half for acid production to decrease enough on it's own. I was told that some people need to stay on a PPI indefinitely. I'm hoping to get off mine eventually because I don't suffer from the reflux so much as the grumbling and feelings of hunger. The PPI takes that away.

The hellacious gas is from our high protein diets - some of us are just worse than others. Then adding the fiber helps to get it all going through and out.... I know yuck!

No clue about the PPi having and effect on BMs. I'd be curious to learn, though.

 I took the prilosec for the first three months after surgery.  and had the mixed bowels like you describe.  That continued after I was off fo them as well.  My guess would be its more dietary than anything.  This will be my last month on the ursodiol as well.  I'll have to see after that.

I was told the same thing...take it for the first three months and then try going without it.  If the reflux came back to start up again.  I have the same bowel issues but I always thought it was what I was eating.  If I eat even a little carbs I have to go immediately. 

I've had that problem since starting the solid food stage.

I've attributed it to the high protein low carb diet.
I started taking Phillips Milk of Mag in January, once a week on Mondays. It keeps everything equal all week long.

I have not been able to wean off the Prilosec. If I don't take it every morning I have bad reflux by 11 am. With in hours of waking up. I did try the afore-mentioned acid reducer and found that to be quite effective when I forgot the Prilosec. I am thinking I will try to wean off the Prilosec with that and see if it works.

But I haven't found it to be a contributer to the BM issue.

donna

 I was taking the prescription protonix for about six months. I forgot to take it one day and realized I didn't need it anymore. Occasionally I get a little heartburn but not very often - maybe 1x a month?

Ive heard you should wean off the PPIs though, like take one every other day for a week, then every third day, etc.

I have never heard about it affecting bowel movements though. And mine swing between constipation and diarrhea like you mention.

Don't know about the bowel issues, but I've been off my PPI since about 6 weeks post-op. No reflux at all.

 I have been off Nexium for a about 2 weeks now. The acid reflux is kinda random. Seems to get lesser each time and Tums helps me get through it. Didn't find it affect my movements at all. I have always had an issue with constipation, and have to add fiber to my yogurt to help get things moving. Never tried a fiber gummy. Should give it a try.

Remains to be seen, my doc wants me off the PPI too but recommended titrating down to avoid rebound acid.  (Issues with calcium and iron absorption, plus lowers the natural shield against bacterial infections that stomach acid normally provides.)  She recommended reducing or eliminating things that can cause acid to flare, including high-fat (what am I to DO??), coffee, peppermint-flavored things, and artificial sweeteners.

I suspect the gummy is giving you bad gas because of the sugar alcohols rather than the fiber itself.  I think the fiber would produce diarrhea more than gas....