VSG and Stomach Acid Question

Hey guys! (I'm pre-op)

I have been having terrible stomach pains.  This only started after losing 20 pounds on my way to reach goal weight. After first I thought it was just after eatting eggs, but last night proved my stomach doesn't care, that it will hurt when it wants to. They are the worst, most intense pains I have ever had in my life. I have had an ultra sound to rule out my gallbladder. No stones there. One night landed me in the ER where they did blood work and ruled out a bunch of organs. The doctor called it  Gastritis and prescribed me Pepcid to take twice a day. The Pepcid hasn't totally worked as I have had 2 attacks since being on it. I have an endoscopy on Tuesday to rule out other things as well.

Here's something that I am worried about. I know the VSG isn't great for people with acid reflux. And I had NEVER had any kind of heartburn or anything prior to starting this 1200 calorie diet recommended by the program. I'm worried that whatever this is, my surgeon is gonna tell me that the RNY will be better. Has anyone else dealt with stomach acid prior to having the VSG and how did you feel afterwards? Or if not, maybe the same symptoms I'm having? I'm just really worried I wont be able to get the surgery I feel most comfortable with, and if thats the case, will I even get surgery at all.

My son has serious reflux and gastrits.  Once an attack starts, it takes a pretty hefty dose of meds taken religiously to get it under control.  It usually takes about 6 weeks for him to stop having serious pains.  He will even fight vomiting every day.  Cut out all acidic foods from your diet, including anything with caffeine.  Eat very plain bland diet and take your meds at the same time every day.  You might need something stronger than Pepcid.  Keep in contact with your doctor and ask for stronger meds if you need them.

I just responded to a similar question just above this one with my experience with reflux.  Please take a look, and feel free to message me if you have any additional questions.

My son was born with reflux and still has it today (he's 35). I discovered an herbal approach, which worked well for him. It is deglycerized licorice (DGL). Taken before a meal, it increases mucus in the stomach, thereby protecting the lining. It is soothing and healing for those delicate tissues. Some other suggestions are to stop eating 2-3 hours before bedtime and sleep with the head of the bed elevated. He also ate small frequent bland meals, avoided citrus and carbonated beverages. Also avoid high fats, especially hydrogenated fats as they stay in the stomach longer and the stomach produces more acid.

I read recently that proton pump inhibitors (PPI) such as Prilosec and Prevacid, which lessens acid production, can sometimes cause an acid production rebound effect, which makes it really hard to stop taking them. This can happen after daily use in as early as four weeks. They also hasten osteoporosis with extended use.

A histamine-2 antagonist (H2A), such as Zantac, is another option, as is inhibits acid production without the rebound properties. It can be prescribed in liquid form and is relatively cheap. It also doesn't have the osteoporosis drawback.

As far has experiencing stomach acid before VSG, I did not, but my surgeon discovered a hiatal hernia at the time of my VSG. He repaired the hernia at the same time as the VSG. Looking back I think I did have some symptoms, but I didn't give them much weight. I've researched hiatal hernia's since I came home from the hospital and discovered there are different kinds. Maybe a hiatal hernia is what you have. The endoscopy will tell you that. If you have a hernia, you can probably still have a VSG.

Good luck, I'm sorry you are feeling so bad.