radical changes, prilosec, etc...why is it not working?

I am still suffering heartburn throughout the day (though much less than before), even though I am on 2 prilosec's per day, as well as eating like a saint according to the Alkaline diet.

In a given day I am eating sweet potatoes, quinoa/millet, cereal w/ almond mik + bananas + blueberries, watermelon (when I feel heartburn coming on), greens (spinach, green beans, broccoli and cauliflower). I don't break that routine, and really all that I am eating falls under alkaline.

I am doing my best and make absolutely no exceptions (have been eating like this for about 5 days). Does this all mean that I am the ideal candidate for surgery? I can't believe that 2 prilosecs/day don't work for me - in the past, 1 per day was more than enough to let me eat anything I wanted without any symptoms.

Even 5 months ago I was on 1 ranitidine per day, which I had to stop due to side-effects. BUT just one ranitidine took away my symptoms completely.

When do you take your Prilosec (ie omeprazole) ?   

I was shocked when I was put on this medication, and I took it after lunch, to find out afterwards I had to take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach!

Cecelia

Heartburn in the morning when you first wake up. Sounds like acid is getting into your esophagus while you're sleeping on a flat mattress. My cure for that was sleeping on a foam wedge that raises my torso about 7 inches.

It's also possible that your current medication just isn't working for you. Not all PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are alike. I've been on them all and only Nexium 40mg 2xday works for me. If you're not already doing this, try taking one pill when you wake up and the second one about 7-8 hours later. Always on an empty stomach, at least one hour before eating.

You eat fruit? If I even take a bite of fresh fruit my acid reflux kicks in big time, even with Nexium. Fruit is very acidic. I've also found that tomatoes are my worst enemy. Don't jump into surgery until you've tried all the medications. Surgery isn't always the answer and it can sometimes lead to bigger problems.

As some have already noted, how you take your PPI really does make a difference. I have found, and read, that you have to take it half an hour to an hour before eating, and then you do have to eat something! I take it with my morning coffee, eat breakfast half an hour to an hour later.

I also agree that the brand of PPI makes a difference. Some simply do not last very long. For me Nexium is the only one I found acceptable. Even that one doesn't last 24 hours for me.

Acidrefluxman - some of the foods you are eating can cause stomach upset: bananas for one for sure. I do well with avoiding bread, but rice seems to not cause a problem, or gas.

Seriously, please see a gastro doc. There is no way we, mere patients, on the forum can diagnose whether you need surgery.