Bad Reflux With Partial Gastrectomy

Hi Everyone,

My Mom was diagnosed with Stomach cancer in Oct 05, she is 63 years old. 2 days later she was in for surgery to remove half of her stomach. Luckily none of the lymphnodes were affected or anything else, it was very early. They didnt recommend the chemo or radiation after a PET and 2 CT scans because they didnt see that it has spread anywhere. Now she was very lucky and I am extremely thankful. She is having a extremely hard time however gaining her weight back, actually she has lost between 30-40 pounds. She has tried ensure, boost, ice cream, you name it and most everything just goes right through her or makes her vomit. She has such bad reflux all the time, she has tried numerous pills that her Dr prescribed but nothing is helping. Her GI Dr even went in to stretch her esophagus 2 times and it still hasnt helped. Has anyone found anything that will help with her reflux mainly? Her weight is something else we need to work on as well, but she said that if she could get the food down past the acid or bubbles then she thinks she may be ok. Thanks so much for any input!! Celina

Dear Celina,

Is your mother taking any medications to reduce the acid reflux? I take nexium 40mg and it works great. Does she have problems sleeping at night because of the acid? If so, there is a mattress genie that helps to elevate the head of the bed. There are also medications to prevent her from vomiting. She should also keep a journal of what she eats so that she can identify what could be causing the acid. I know I cannot eat milk products,gravy,peanut butter without suffering reflux. If she can identify what bothers her then she will know what to stay away from. I have also read that swallowing a teaspoon of vinegar is supposed to cut the acid. I have never tried it, but I know others who have and they swear by it. I hope this helps you. Also, I have used Mylanta to coat my esophagus which seems to help me.
Dawn