Gaviscon: loss of appetite, bloating

Hi Skinnyguy,
So sorry to hear that you're having so much trouble with GERD. It sounds like you're trying (and have tried) lots of good options without results. Have you tried Maalox instead of Gaviscon? It's always helped me a lot. The wedge pillow may help...the better option would be to raise the head of your bed with bed raisers. You can get them at a medical supply store, but cheaper at Bed Bath and Beyond (I saw them about a week ago). At the peak of my GERD issues, I used both the raised bed AND the wedge pillow. Without both, I still got reflux at night.

I was able to tolerate PPI's without any side effects. My problem was that they weren't effective in stopping the reflux that was bothering my lungs and causing uncontrolled asthma. I ended up having the Nissen Fundoplication surgery on February 27th of this year. I was afraid to try that option until I found this forum filled with supportive, positive, and knowledgeable members. There are lots of very negative and hysterical posts written by people who had botched surgeries. Anyone considering the surgical option should research their surgeon fully, and find an extremely skilled surgeon in this particular procedure. I wish I'd had the surgery years ago.

I know you don't want to hear this, but it might be beneficial for you to read up a bit on the surgical option. If you can't get help via medications and sleeping environment modifications, it could be your best option. I've posted my surgery-recovery path on this forum. If you're interested in looking at them, let me know, and I'll post a list of URL's that will make them easier to find.

Once you get your GERD under better control, your esophagus will have a chance to heal. It has been burned by refluxing acid, and will take time to get better. If you can sleep reflux-free, it will make a big difference.

I don't know your insurance situation, but if you haven't seen a GI doc, you should. There are tests that would be able to evaluate your symptoms and help you make an informed decision about your course of action.

You're in a good place, and I'm sure other members will be along to answer your questions, support you in your difficulties, and offer encouragement. We've all "been there", and understand what you're going through, first hand.

Good luck, and don't give up. There is help out there, and you will get better.
Welcome to the forum!
Take care,
Denise

thank you dencha and stkitt for kind advice,

I will consider consult a GI physican,
done research on Maalox,
the anti-acid I got in hand is exactly same formula as Maalox plus,
tried Maalox plus alone last night,
the result is stomach acid in my throat when I wake up,
to my surprise, my throat don't feel so bad, I think it's the effect of Maalox plus and i just able to take small amount of food last dinner,
at the stage it's too early to comment Maalox plus,
I will try longer period of time,
thank you

thank dencha for your kind support

now, my appetite drop to an unbearable level,
I think finally I understand what is my problem now,
now even my stomach juice reflux to my throat, i don't feel as hurt as before,
my problem is too little stomach acid,
i have been continously using medicine(antiacid or ppi) for 46 days,
drug decrease stomach acid cause me indigestion, bloating and loss of appetite--> I eat less and less food day by day-> less food cause less stomach acid
I will stop all medicine for a certain period,
and hopefully my appetite will come back,
thank you