Prilosec... do I need it?

I had surgery on 12/16. Before surgery, I was given a prescription for Prilosec with the instructions to take one a day for 3 months. I had the prescription filled a week or so before surgery and put in someplace where I then forgot about it till I found it this morning.

Needless to say.... It has been almost a week since surgery and I am doing great. No pain, no vomiting, no nothing  adverse so I am trying to figure out if I really need to take it and if so why.

Thanks !

Yes you do. They prescribe it for several reasons, the main one according to my doc was to reduce the acid present in a healing stomach in order to prevent ulcers. Your staple line is vulnerable until it is healed to ulcers from excess acid, but as far as comfort is concerned, I had some reflux/nausea/gas pain immediately following surgery, but after I got home, I didn't until almost 3 weeks out. Just because you don't feel it yet, doesn't mean you aren't having a problem.

I would recommend you take it. They prescribe it for a reason. Hubby had to take pill to help protect his gallbladder and he hated it, especially during the pill crushing phase, but he toughed it out. Just something that goes along with the surgery.

Please, PLEASE don't read the following with any malice or rudeness! I truly mean to be helpful, having been through reflux and PPI drama myself.

If your doctor told you to take it, don't you think he probably had a reason? Would you like to NOT take it and find out that reason the hard way? You are only 6 days out from surgery and you already want to deviate from your surgeon's plan? That doesn't bode well for the future. Please follow your surgeon's plan. It is designed to help you HEAL and avoid LIFE-THREATENING complications.

PPIs are designed to limit the amount of acid in the stomach. With our small sleeves that are not stretchy enough to accommodate excess, the acid in our stomachs is often pushed up into the esophagus (i.e. reflux), causing nausea and painful heartburn. Even if you don't have these physical sensations, the acid erosion in the esophagus can potentially cause ulcers and, eventually, esophageal CANCER.

It is always best to follow your surgeon's plan. They've done this MANY more times than we have. Best of luck in your recovery.

Vs for me on 12/17.  Reading this set me straight as I wasn't taking mine either.  Thanks for the great info.

Now my surgeon said NOTHING about any acid reducers... I got no prescription and there's nothing in the paperwork either? I'm feeling fine though, unless I take too big of a sip or too many too soon. 

I have what is called "silent GERD" and it can be very damaging, so if your doc says take it, she might just have some insight...ask her and take it. If she it a prescrition she gives all her patients, then great, don't take it. 

I would call and ask if I were you. Every surgeon's plan is different, but mine had me on a simple antacid (Pepcid) for the first 6 weeks while I initially healed and then switched me to a PPI. I found that, especially when transitioning back to solid foods, when I didn't take the antacid, I got heartburn and nausea. It doesn't happen to everyone and not everyone takes a PPI long term, but I would definitely call and make absolutely sure that this information didn't somehow fall through the cracks and not get to you. 

Personally, if it was me, I'd call my surgeon and ask. We aren't really qualified to give medical advice and we have no idea why your surgeon prescribes what she does or what her protocols are for different patients under what cir****tances.

I have not had the surgery yet, late January for me. I have a long history of GERD, I was on Prilosec for about 2 years. Despite a high dosage I continued with symptoms. I'm now on a stronger med, Protonix. GERD pain is not fun, I've suffered for years now. 

You are so wise in questioning your doctor's reasoning, it doesn't matter what a professional tells us, it's our job to verify and get second opinions. 

In this situation, please continue taking your meds. My GERD symptoms have been zilch since I've followed the 30/30 fluid thingy, chewing 20x, and eating slowly.