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Bariatric Surgery/omeprazole
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Question
I had gastric bypass urgery in 2006 and have been taking omeprazole every day since my surgery with no gastric problems as per my surgeon's instructions. A friend of mine who is a pediatrician told me there is a recent study (2011) revealing long term use of omeprazole can increase one's chance of stomach cancer as nit alters the stomach's normal ph. Is that true? Should I cease taking the med? I have never had any problems with gastric reflux or h-pylori. Thank you.
I am pretty sure that the concern about stomach cancer and long term use of omeprazole came only from animal studies done very early in the development of the drug, and that there has been no sign of increased gastric cancer in humans.
Having said that, since you have had no symptoms of trouble it would be perfectly reasonable for you to ask your gastric bypass surgeon if you still need to take the omeprazole.
Best wishes,
Dr JP
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Answers by Expert:
John Pilcher, MD
Expertise
I can answer medically oriented questions about bariatric surgery including: patient selection, preparation for surgery, differences between types of bariatric surgery, aftercare following bariatric surgery. I can answer detailed questions about gastric bypass, Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, and revision bariatric surgery. I am only somewhat familiar with Biliopancreatic diversion. I am not prepared to answer insurance or other financial questions related to bariatric surgery.
Experience
I have been a practicing bariatric surgeon since 1995. About 85% of my current practice consists of bariatric surgery, including all of the above procedures except biliopancreatic diversion. I am the senior surgeon of a 5-surgeon group. I am recognized among surgeons and other medical professionals as the most experienced bariatric surgeon in my region.
Organizations
Fellow of American College of Surgeons
Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Education/Credentials
BA in Biochemistry - University of Virginia
Medical Degree - University of Virginia
Surgical Residency - University of Virginia
Awards and Honors
Alpha Omega Alpha
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