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1seekspie
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 22 July 2008 04:45 pm |
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Hi, guys. This is a bit of a long post, which is mostly me ranting about a few issues I've had lately. Feel free to scroll to the bottom where I bolded the main point of this post if you just want to get down to business! If you have time though, enjoy my little story  (of anger  !).
I've been very irritated in the last couple days, as I'm 99% sure I know what has caused me to gain ten pounds in the last three months, and the cause was so easily fixable that I'm hitting myself for not realizing sooner!
At first I thought it was my increase of exercise time/intensity that caused me to build muscle, but the increase was so subtle, that it could not have possibly caused me to gain that much in "muscle-weight" in such a short period of time. Besides, what I saw on my stomach didn't exactly look like muscle....
Then I thought it was due to the influx of treats durring that short period of time, when my mom was on a three-month splurge and started bringing home all sorts of goodies. I'm almost always able to resist them, but in that time period, I simply couldn't! 
My appetite had seemingly increased rapidly. I couldn't stop eating or else I'd feel absolutely miserable and overly-deprived. I was either starving out of my mind (even though I was eating normally, the regular amount was no longer filling to me) or bingeing like mad! I would steal my friends' food at lunch, and sneaking extra helpings when I went to parties. 
I could not figure out why I had suddenly turned into such a pig!!!  Why was this happening to me? I kept thinking, and thinking, and thinking.....
Then, last Sunday, I came up with this funny idea, that maybe some of the pills and mixtures I've been on in recent months could have had something to do with it. 
I'll save you the long story about visiting different doctors several times, and about why I've had so many problems, but basically I have acid reflux and severe constipation. I've been taking Mineral Oil, Myralax, and Prilosec off and on since February.
The Mineral Oil and Myralax worked wonders and I'm actually very consistent with those two. The Prilosec, however, was less than impressive, and I was all over the board taking that one. 
The last 3-5 months have been pretty miserable for me, as my stomach has been doing all sorts of strange things thanks to stress and my out-of-wack eating habbits. I've also been feeling sluggish, lazy, and overall depressed thinking I'd simply turned into a lazy eating-machine! 
Anyway, like I said, last Sunday, I decided to do a bit more research on some of the drugs I was prescribed. Myralax and Mineral Oil came back negative for having bad side-effects. Prilosec, however, did not, when I googled "Prilosec and weight gain..."
Most of the web pages were forums like this one, where many people have reported to have gained weight on Prilosec or it's cousin, Prevacid. I also saw two or three regular websites which backed up these claims such as: gerd.emedtv.com/prilosec/prilosec-side-effects.html and rxlist.com/cgi/generic/omepra_ad.htm
Prilosec, I learned, cannot only cause weight gain, but it can also be attributed to numerous other side-effects, all of which sounded very familiar.
While these side effects are rare, I can remember experiencing nearly every one, especially the increased appetite! 
The stuff bearly did anything to stop my issues with acid reflux, and I can honestly say I felt it cause numerous other problems! I've been off the stuff for days now, and already my appetite has subsided and I feel a lot more like myself again! Still, I have the struggle of losing the stupid 10 or so pounds I've gained in recent months. I've gotten back on track pretty quickly, though! 
This is probably the longest thing I've ever written on this website! Sorry I ranted on so, but I've been REALLY angry because of Prilosec!
To be to the point: Have any of you experienced weight gain or other issues with Prilosec, or other drugs?
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Parrotrosie
New Member
| Joined: | 29 July 2008 |
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| Posts: | 12 |
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Posted: 29 July 2008 11:45 am |
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Hi!
I came to this forum to seek some advice and lo and behold, I find this thread, it was not what I was exactly looking for, and yet , it is.
I had been taking amytriptaline for migraines and gained 25 pounds in three months, and have been off it for two months now and on a new one, topamax which has been successful in getting rid of the headaches and a great side effect is suppossed to be weight loss....yay me! Its been about six weeks, and I have next to no appettite and have gained two pounds...exactly how that works I am not sure.
While I have always carried a few extra pounds...I was not extremely dissatisfied with my weight..only slightly so. But now...I hate my weight. It won't come off. I joined the gym and have killed myself there this week and nothing at all is budging. Then I see this post. A while ago, I had lost about fifteen pound below my regular set weight...I could not eat, my stomach hurt all the time, I had acid reflux , my nerves were giving me a good run. So guess what my doc prescribed? Omeprazole....the generic Prilosec. I had never really read that weight gain was a side effect. That one is very effectively buried. I did go right back to my set weight upon taking it, but that was because I was actually able to eat normally again and I never gave it another thought because this migraine med followed shortly after. (and I know that one really affected my eating habits no doubt about that) So thanks for offering up this post....I really need to do more investigating and talk to my doctor as well. Perhaps this med is preventing my weight loss because I would be very surprised if I am eating 1000 calories a day right now with this new medication. I know that is not good but, gimme a break right now...lol! I am still gaining, it's tough to say, OK I need to eat another 800 calories ....I can't fit into those pants...lol....
Thanks for the posting! I think I may feel a little better! I also read about it preventing the absorption of B12 which can't be good either.....hhmmmm...off to do some research.....
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heidiv
New Member
| Joined: | 10 July 2008 |
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| Posts: | 162 |
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Posted: 29 July 2008 03:35 pm |
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Weight gain with prilosec huh? Never heard of this before, but maybe the decrease in constipation and the prilosec working has made your appetite better because you feel better. I don't know just a thought.
Sometimes pills can have side effects that most people don't get, but a few do experience things that others don't. Perhaps you need something different.
Did you ever ask your MD if you have IBS with constipation? I know there are pills for that.
Also, IDK if another proton pump inhibitor would be the answer? Nexium?
Maybe you need a different antacid like Zantac or Pepcid taken regularly?
I'm not a doctor, just a few thoughts to digest...
Good luck with the weight loss!
Heidi
Last edited on 29 July 2008 03:39 pm by heidiv
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1seekspie
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 29 July 2008 04:49 pm |
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Parrotrosie,
In your case it seems like Prilosec really helped you, because you couldn't eat as your stomach was so irritated. With me this wasn't the case. My GERD was never anything more than a mild nuisance. I just became worried that it was something serious, so that's why I sought out help from a doctor.
Doing what's right for our bodies can be so tough! If we somehow develop an issue, we often have to take pills to stop it. Of course, sometimes the pills can come with several little side effects that give us even more issues! When that happens, we're faced with a tough decision to either: switch medications, stay on a medication, or stay a natural wreck!!!
Heidiv,
Despite taking Myralax and Mineral Oil, constipation was a side effect I experienced with Prilosec. After almost a week of being off it, I no longer experience this!
To be honest, the Prilosec never really did anything to make me feel better. I noticed a bit less heart-burn after meals, but that was never really a big issue to begin with. My big issue was the constant regurgitation after eating. The drug actually enhanced this, so at no time did I really ever feel better eating---if anything much worse.
I suppose it sounds like I'm trying to demonize this drug. I'm sure it's helped many people with serious GERD, but my experience with it was nothing short of awful.
As of right now, I don't really know what to do about my GERD. My regurgitation has somewhat subsided, yet the heartburn has returned. I've noticed that Tums help me, but I have to take between 6-9 a day to feel real relief, and I doubt this solution is very practical.
I'll eventually need to consider another drug, but for now I'm just trying to get my eating back under control. I'm not even going to take another drug until I lose the 10 pounds I have gained in the past three months. I'm going to have to do a lot of research on whatever I think about taking next.....
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Parrotrosie
New Member
| Joined: | 29 July 2008 |
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| Posts: | 12 |
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Posted: 30 July 2008 12:30 am |
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Yes, the prilosec really did help , but I wonder, did I need something that strong right out of the gate? Isn't it one of the strongest for acid reflux out there? I actually did not realize how bad my heartburn had gotten until I didn't have it anymore and forgot to take a pill, and got it heartburn....lol
And yes, I gained weight because I was feeling better, no doubt. But like I said, I had been at the same set weight for years...granted it was too high, overweight but not quite into the 'obese' category, so I was somewhat content there, as I didn't have to struggle too much to stay there. I had my daughter, and left the hospital at my pre-pregnancy weight just about. Then came the migraine pill, and boy was my appetite voracious! If it wasn't on someone else's plate, I was eatin' it! I knew I shouldn't and yet could not help myself. It was bad. Real bad. So, I am glad to be off that medication and yet, cannot lose weight. I cannot explain it really.
So, if there is a link to weight gain, is there a possiblity that is causes resistance to weight loss? Or does it just seem to be a link to increased appetite? Because I don't have that at all.... I am curious to see if others have had similar experiences with this medication...
Add Amytriptaline to the list of pills that can cause weight gain!!!! (brand name Elavil but is no longer on the market as brand)
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Ruebeau
New Member
| Joined: | 13 September 2008 |
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| Posts: | 5 |
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Posted: 13 September 2008 05:30 pm |
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Hi all,
New member here.
I have been on prilosec for 5 and a half years and have gained 68 lbs. I stopped taking it a month ago after finally figuring out that it is the ONLY thing that has changed since I started gaining weight.
I have tried everything but could not lose a single pound. In the past when I wanted to take off some weight all I had to do was be very vigilant about what I was eating and it would just come off. Now all that has changed....I have been working out and eating well and have just watched my weight creep higher and higher. Finally after much thougt I figured it out. The only variable is the prilosec. If you look up side effects on the Webmd's and the drug manufacturer site it is not listed anywhere but if you google prilosec and weight gain you get the REAL story.
I found a blog with 121 posts all but 2 could have been written by me. I was so relieved I almost wanted to cry....(because I thought I was crazy).
All the weight gain is around my middle and I have ALWAYS gained weight on my hips and thighs. I have no more waist. I look pregnant! Many of the posts I read said the same exact thing about the weight gain being around the middle.
I have been off 4 days shy of a month and have been eating right and working out and I think I can notice a small reduction in my bluging tummy. I haven't weighed myself yet because I wanted to give it a good amount of time to be out of my system and see what happened.
I do have reflux/heartburn, where I didn't with the prilosec, but I would rather have the reflux then be 68 lbs overweight. I am doing a good job managing it with Tums, and occasional zantac and essential enzymes.
Sorry this is so long but I just wanted to let you know that it is a real side effect and not to think you are crazy!
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1seekspie
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 13 September 2008 08:24 pm |
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ReuBeau,
Thank you so much for sharring your story! Your's sounds so similar to mine, it's scary! Anyway, I can't believe you were on that stuff for as long as you were! Here I am complaining and I was only taking the stuff on and off for about six months!
You know, I think Prilosec is one of the crummiest pills out there! It does little to help GERD, and comes with a tush-load of side-effects.
Good luck on your track to get back down to the weight you want to be ! It's taken me a while, but I'm back on my normal eating habbits, so for that I'm very greatful.
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Ruebeau
New Member
| Joined: | 13 September 2008 |
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| Posts: | 5 |
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Posted: 13 September 2008 08:44 pm |
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Hi 1seekspie and thank you for the kind words. I will post again with an update...hopefully it will be with GOOD news!!!
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Ruebeau
New Member
| Joined: | 13 September 2008 |
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| Posts: | 5 |
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Posted: 15 September 2008 12:51 pm |
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| OK.....so I have lost 2 1/2 lbs in 28 days since stopping the prilosec. Now that doesn't sound like a lot but I have not changed anything but stopping the prilosec. I have been unable to drop a pound (in 5 + years) except the 3 weeks I started running and dropped 3 1/2 lbs in 3 weeks but gained it right back when I got discouraged stopped running and went back to walking. If I average out my weight gain over the 5 1/2 years it is about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs a month. So this makes sense to me. I will be even more vigilant and see if I can help it along. I KNOW it was the prilosec and don't care if anyone (Dr.s) agree with me or not.
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1seekspie
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 September 2008 11:45 pm |
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I know it was the Prilosec in my case, too! A lot of people think doctors always know best, but in my case they sure didn't!
In the last year, I've had to go to nearly half a dozen doctors concerning little health issues I developed.
NONE of them helped me with anything! I had to help myself! They suggested I go to counceling.....COUNCELING? I'm regurgitating food thanks to acid reflux!!!! How is paying through the NOSE by talking to some one for half an hour a week going to help THAT?
I was never even that stressed before all of this! Now I believe I'm psychotic!!! I have half the mind to punch the daylights out of the women that told me Prilosec has "no side-effects."
Yes, I still hold a grudge. I'll keep that grudge with me until every pound I gained comes off of me, and every pound you gained falls off of you.
On that note, congradulations! I lost about 4 and 1/2 pounds in the last couple months or so, and my eating habbits feel normal again! Keep up the good work, and keep us updated .
Last edited on 15 September 2008 11:46 pm by 1seekspie
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Ruebeau
New Member
| Joined: | 13 September 2008 |
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| Posts: | 5 |
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Posted: 16 September 2008 01:36 pm |
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You're funny! I laughed out loud about the acid reflux and the counseling!
Listen to this one....
I am having surgery next week and had to go to my GP last week for a pre-surgery check up. He finds that my blood pressure is a bit high (probably due to the 10,000 lbs I put on from the prilosec) and wants me to try some blood pressure medication. I don't want to but I know that hbp is so dangerous so I say OK.
He gives me this medication called Avapro and when I look up the side effects one of the first one listed is ACID REFLUX!!!!! The second one is fatigue...oh goody! So I call the office and ask his assistant to ask him to call me in another type of hbp medicine (there are 10 million different kinds) ans she says "oh he'll have to call you back". So he calls me back and I tell him I don't want to take the one he gave me because of the side effects especially the acid reflux since I am suffering with that daily WITHOUT a medication that causes it and he gets #%@&! off. I AM NOT KIDDING, HE GETS REALLY MAD! I'm thinking to myself...is this guy kidding me???? He knows about the problem with the acid reflux because we discussed it 2 days before and he has sent me for tests etc. He tells me that everything has side effects and wants me to take it. I get really #%@&! off in return and say "Fine goodbye" (not very nicely) and hang up. I figured I would try it for a week then call up and say it's not working......which by the way it isn't.
I used to really like this guy but I can't have a Dr. who totally disregards what I want to do with my owe BODY! If I say I don't want to take it then give me another. Truthfully I was so taken off guard by his attitude I just hung up.
I should have said first that at my pre op I told him I went off the prilosec because I was doing research and believe now that my weight gain was from that drug and his head snapped around (he was writing) and literally spit out with venom that he "didn't believe that". I am just astounded at his attitude....oh should I not question the great and mighty OZ?????
I am going for my last pre op with my ob/gyn on Thursday of this week and I am going to discuss the bp medication with her. I am also going to tell her about the prilosec in case she has any other patients with crazy weight gain with no apparent reason.
OK...sorry so long but I just had to vent...I have to find a new GP...what a pain!
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1seekspie
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 17 September 2008 10:54 am |
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Oh my gosh! Your blood pressure went up, too? You poor thing!
Do you know how there are commercials for people suffering from acid reflux or frequent heartburn? There should be commercials for people suffering from the effects of Prilosec!!!
Anyway, I can't believe your doctor behaved the way he did. After all this, that is the last thing you need!
My doctors never actually got mad at me, but their "advice" really put me in a bad time!
At first my issues started out as a touch of acid reflux, and a bit of nausea once or twice a month. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't a more serious issue.
I went to my regular G.P, complaining of such problems. I gave her a list of my diet, and just a few habbits of mine, and suddenly she began to accuse me of having various ailments, outside of the ones my stomach endured!
Next thing I know, I'm being accused up and down the board of being anorexic! First of all, my meals at that point were no less than 1300 calories, which is the bare minimum for most girls. Secondly, what about my stomach? I went to see her for that, but apparently she had other ideas. Here is how my health "thrived"
My acid reflux became WORSE on Prilosec. It may have stopped the heartburn, but I couldn't stop throwing up in my mouth! Bleh! Not only that, but I was tired all the time, hungry all the time, irritated constantly thanks to both, I got a full-blown case of hives that lasted for four days in June, I was still being accused of anorexia and over-stress, and.....this is my favorite......my PERIOD STOPPED!!!
I don't know how, I don't know why but I stopped getting them in February. I can't help but blame a few of the reprocussions of this whole mess! I doubt it was the Prilosec (it can't be THAT evil, can it?), but it was sure something!
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Ruebeau
New Member
| Joined: | 13 September 2008 |
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| Posts: | 5 |
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Posted: 18 September 2008 01:06 pm |
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Something I forgot to tell you was that I am taking something called Essential Enzymes.
If I understand it correctly it is enzymes that help your stomach digest fat, protein, carbs etc. I found it at my health food store a few weekends ago when I was in serious distress with the burning and reflux. It seems to be helping. You take one pill before each meal. I read a post on another one of these web sites and the woman said she had great success with it so I figured what the heck.
I bought the Source Naturals brand. $19.99 for 120 capsules. You might want to consider it.
I also have been eating Activia, the yogurt with the good bacteria. That too I think is helping. You only need 4 oz. (the little cup) and it comes in fat free light. I don't care for yogurt but I can get down 4 oz.
I think we have upset the balance in our stomachs with the (totally unnatural) cessation of stomach acid. I'm trying to get mine back in pre prilosec balance.
Hope this helps.
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Lucy
New Member
| Joined: | 8 May 2008 |
| Location: | Canada |
| Posts: | 208 |
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Posted: 20 September 2008 12:45 am |
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| One I know that has been mentioned already will definately make you gain weight....Amytriptaline, however, there are other triptalines out there that dont make you gain weight. I was on it as a sleep aid, to get me to that deep sleep phase. And no longer needed it, so went off.
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Goldendust
New Member
| Joined: | 24 April 2009 |
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| Posts: | 2 |
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Posted: 24 April 2009 07:30 pm |
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I suppose I am here for the very same reason, and naturally with my own theories.
I have been taking the generic Prilosec as well for about 2 years. I started about 30lbs lighter than I am now. Originally, the weight gain for the most part was my own fault. However, my issue has been trying to lose the weight!
I have ready a few articles warning people that not all reflux is due to an over abundance of acid in the stomach. In fact, a good amount is due to a LACK of acid to digest your foods causing them to sit and stew in your belly, digesting at a very slow rate. Instead of 90 minutes to go in and come out, for some of us, it would take anywhere from 3- God forbid 7 days to clear!
So, if you are one of those people taking heartburn medication to neutralize your acid, but happen to be the group that has to little to begin with, wouldn't taking these pills create a lot of weight in your belly? Aside the excess storage, would this also cause the lack of hunger sensations?
Here's what my problem is:
Less than 1000 calories a day
High Protien diet
Low fat
Low carbs
No eating after 7pm
Average activity level
.....no weight loss.
I have been up to this diet over 4 weeks now and nothing.
However, I did forget to take my acid reflux medication for the past two days and my digestive track seemed to kick into overdrive. I am really curious if this medication is causing my bodies digestion to go into hibernation mode?!
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1seekspie
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 24 April 2009 11:22 pm |
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Goldendust, you have quite a strict diet! I'm so sorry you aren't seeing results from it! Is your acid reflux very severe? Me thinks acid reflux screws up your digestive system no matter what. Standard pills like Priloseec just seem to exaserbate the problem. Does Prilosec even work well for you? It, including Nexium, Prevacid, and basically anything else you can name did not work for me---period.
In the last 6 months, my reflux has gotten so bad I can't even exercise without keeling over. I'm DONE and I plan to get surgery on the 12th. There is a little procedure called Lappernissin (I think that's how you spell it ) that essentially rewires your stomach to stop acid reflux once and for all. If you're continuously annoyed with Prilosec and believe it really could be causing your weight gain, this procedure is something to consider.
In case this information helps, I want to note I gained another 10 pounds or so even after I went of Prilosec. However, the weight gain was much slower, I grew one inch (my last inch----my fixed height is now 5'3), and as I mentioned I haven't been able to exercise. My BMI is 21.3, which isn't too bad but I feel flabby and out of shape. I'm very anxious to see what kind of impact the lappernissin will have on my body.
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Goldendust
New Member
| Joined: | 24 April 2009 |
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| Posts: | 2 |
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Posted: 25 April 2009 12:24 am |
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To answer your question, the pills did work at first. I think after the past 2+ years on them I have started to build an immunity to the effects. My stomach isn't interested in being good to me anymore.
I went out and bought some fiber drinks to see if I can't get some normality. If that doesn't work, I will certainly be considering alternatives....including surgery. I know how you feel with the exercising, I have the same issues at my job when I have to bend down to pick things up or lean over... man, that's the worst!
As for the diet, it was my test to see if my body was reacting the same way it used to. I did this diet back when I was 160lbs, I dropped about 10 lbs easily and maintained it for about 4 years, so I knew my body responded to it pre-medication. This time though, post-meds...my body is entirely unresponsive. I can't think of any other explaination than hibernation mode! Honestly, if there was a food shortage, I think I would be the last person alive still feeding myself from a piece of bread I ate last month!
Thanks for the advice =D Be well!
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1seekspie
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 25 April 2009 02:05 am |
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No problem!
Just a quick note: fiber thingies worked for me---temporarily. I found Miralax to be the ultimate cure for my digestive issues. Nonetheless, even with Miralax anything I eat makes me feel awful. What really bugs me about this whole thing is I really do enjoy the pleasures of good food! I'm just scared to eat it because no matter how easy it is to swallow, it always comes back to haunt me.
Good luck breaking your hibernation mode! I think my digestive system is more or less in defense mode. Even the smallest berry is treated like a dangerous terrorist the second it enters my stomach.
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