Question:
When I'm sleeping I wake up choking on my own stomach acid

I am concerned this is not normal and I'm not sure how to prevent it. I lie elevated on pillows but it reoccurs. I end up spending the night sucking on tums. Any ideas on how to prevent this. I do stop eating anything after suppertime, I only drink water. Sometimes its so bad my chest feels like its on fire. I'm 2 months post-op    — Donna M. (posted on December 1, 2003)

December 1, 2003
Donna, You need to call your doctor and report this. It's acid reflux, and can cause real problems. They will likely put you on something like prilosec or the like. Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

December 1, 2003
Yup, you need an acid reducer, by prescription. The same thing was happening to me the first month postop RNY. My doc prescribed Zantac twice a day. At 4 months post, I still take them twice a day and if I miss one, especially the evening one, I really feel it when I go to bed. The good thing is that they work fast. See your doc and get something for the acid, you don't have to live with it.
   — mary ann T.

December 1, 2003
Many great RX there that can really help. Definitely check with your doctor. Don't eat late at night. No high acid foods (tomatoes, citrus, coffee, tea) or really spicy foods. Garlic can also trigger acid reflux in many people. Drink lots of water during the day. No food 3 hours prior to going to bed. Elevate your pillow at least 6 inches. Make sure your shoulders, upper torso is slanted. Many make the mistake of just elevating their pillow. Hope you feel better soon.
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 1, 2003
You definately need to be on a prescription acid reducer.The acid can irritate the tissue so badly that it can close up the outlet or opening to your pouch causing a stricture to develop.
   — jennifer A.

December 1, 2003
Hey Lady, you definitely need to call your doc ASAP..My surgeon put me on previcid from day 1. He says we are at risk for ulcers as well as acid reflux and he uses it as a precaution. I am 16 months post-op and have no problems at all. I eat hot foods, late, whatever and do fine....Good luck!!
   — Sharon1964

December 1, 2003
I'm no doctor, but you have acid reflux. I suffered with this for years prior to surgery. You need to see your doctor and a gastroenterologist ASAP. Before surgery, I had severe acid reflux and it caused ulcers in my esophogus. My surgeon made sure I had it all cleared up with medication prior to surgery. If it goes untreated, you could get what is called Barrett's Esophogus which can lead to cancer. This is very serious and you need to get it treated right away. I used to take protonix for it and it worked wonderfully. Another thing you can do to reduce stomach acid and heartburn is to mix about a teaspoon of baking soda with a little bit of water and it should clear up your heartburn and reduce your stomach acid almost immediately, it does not work as well as prescription medicine, but it provides immediate relief. Good luck to you. Lap RNY 5/6/03 237/159/130
   — Dawn P.

December 3, 2003
What I do is, have same problem; don't eat after 6 p.m.,don't eat the following=Garlic Mint Spicy Foods etc.,and lower the amount of water you are drinking. Even though water should not do anything-you are still filling your stomach up! Get a prescription for it also.
   — Rhonda P.

Click Here to Return