gerd and hiatal hernia diagnosis

Hi,

  I am new to this post, so any input is appreciated.  I was just diagnosed with GERD and hiatial hernia.  I am 41, a previous tobacco user so I was just happy it was not something worse, but I have been taking omeprazole for a week now.  A couple of questions.(BTW my Dr. feels rushed...almost seems put out when I ask questions)  How long does omeprazole take to run through your system.  I take it first thing in the morning before eating.  Also, I exercise almost everyday, and consider my diet pretty healthy and my overall fitness good.  What are some dietary options that I can implement? I am somewhat at a loss as to what to eat, seeing that I thought I was doing a pretty good prior.  I had no symptoms whatsoever, until the last couple of weeks.  Like I said, any input would be appreciated

Thanks for the reply Kevin. My symptoms are primarily the difficulty swallowing, which combines with some shortness of breath. I don't think the heartburn or burning reflux is something that happens all the time. Your right! It seems like a timing issue. Some days, I have no problem with a certain food, and then go back to that food the next day and feel like I am going to die! I have only been taking the 20 mg Omeprazole for about a week, so I hope it changes. I seem to suffer the most in the afternoon, but I had a wave last night eating a piece of buttered toast, and had a huge task getting down an oatmeal bar today. I even called my dr. today because it just does not seem right to not be able to swallow. Scary! Anyway, I am determined to get it under control and all the research and feedback will hopefully allow me to figure what works and doesn't. Thanks for your time!