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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
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Gastritis, Weight Loss, Nexium
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MedHelp Member's Question

Gastritis, Weight Loss, Nexium

by nanci, Jun 10, 2002 12:00AM
Trying to get an app't with my gastro doctor but the earliest opening is July.  I'm suppose to update him today on how I feel.

Been taking Nexium, twice a day for a week now.  Worst time is the AM.  I'm functioning but not feeling great.  



My question is weight loss!  Four months ago, I stopped synthetic hormones and within a few months lost around 6-8 lbs.  With or without hormones, I always struggled with trying to lose those 5lbs!  



I started having very bad gastritis symtoms about 6 weeks ago.  I contributed this towards taking Motrin (3 at a time, 3 times a day) for a few weeks.  Long story but I was diagnosed with a bad bruise which ended up being a broken arm!



Anyway, here I am today with about a 12lb weight loss.  I'm very nervous about this.  I realize I'm not eating as much food and not high caloried or high fat food but before my symptoms started, if I ate the way I'm eating now, the weight would not be coming off the way it has been.



My question is, from a medical standpoint, is this normal?  What causes the loss, even if one is eating.  I would assume if anything, my weight would remain the same.    Could it be the Nexium contributing towards weight loss?  I read other posts about this but it appears these are from people who much younger than I am.  The older we get, the harder it is, isn't it?  I'm 56.  Can anywone shed some light and calm me down!  I'm thinking I have something more serious.  Last scope I had was 4 yrs ago.
Member Comments (16)

by s.mcm, Jun 10, 2002 12:00AM
I was on Nexium for about a month and did not lose any weight.  Sorry I could not be more help,  but I dont think it is from the Nexium.  Is it not possible it is from stopping the hormone pills?  When I stopped taking Elavil years ago I lost all the weight that I had put on when taking it.

good luck

by Lynn28, Jun 10, 2002 12:00AM
I don't think it matters how old you are. Weight loss in general is not good, no matter what age. I too have gastritis and I've lost 15lbs THREE moths ago and have YET to gain one single pound back. So far, every test is fine, just this pain in the *** gastritis. It has to be the reason for the weight loss. We are ALL going through it.



-Jenn

by nanci, Jun 10, 2002 12:00AM
That's just it Jenn - I am panic stricken it's something else like cancer.   I did once hear that ulcer sufferes lose weight but I don't believe I have an ulcer.



I just had lunch with a friend who commented on how thin I looked. Now I have't seen her in a few years but that wasn't the first thing I wanted to hear.



Do you know of others who lose weight because they have gastritis.  There has to be a medical reason for it.

by nanci, Jun 10, 2002 12:00AM
I called the doctor's office today to give them an update

after taking Nexium for a week.  I told them I was no worse but

not much better and added the weight loss.  The nurse asked me

several questions and told me she would talk to the doctor who was on call - I probably would hear back late this afternoon.  The issue is they are totally booked for months and unless the doctor concludes it's urgent, you have to wait your turn.



Well, 1/2 hr later, they call back asking if I can come in next Thursday.  Sure I can but now more panic stricken then ever.  Telling them I've lost ten pounds in three months did it!  



I've searched all over the internet and don't find weight loss as part of a gastritis condition or even GERD or ulcers.



Do others with these conditions lose weight?  



I'm not vomiting nor do I have other symptoms other than the burning especially in the AM and just a feeling of not feeling

good!

by bible, Jun 10, 2002 12:00AM
hello i take nexium once a day,i also have barrets esouphagus

what kind of diet do you recommend?

by bible, Jun 10, 2002 12:00AM
I also experienced weight loss too since i took nexium.

by rucnateb, Jun 10, 2002 12:00AM
i have chronic gastritis due to h.pyloyi infection,it has been a long year and a lost of 10 pounds.with ulcers,gastritis,inflamatory conditions you loose weight.

by Lynn28, Jun 10, 2002 12:00AM
To: Nanci
I know exactly how you feel. I think EVERYTHING is cancer, but don't we all. I too told my new GI that I had lost 15lbs and after endoscopy (2X) so much blood work, colonoscopy, X-Rays, etc, etc......everything came back fine, so the weight loss has to be due to not being very hungry as a result of the gastritis, TOTALLY watching what we eat and not eating "As" much, and WORRYING. Anxiety will totally cause you to lose weight without even realizing it. Your mind never stops. Please keep me posted as to what your doc says. You'll be ok ;-)

How long have you had gastritis?

-Jennifer

by Lynn28, Jun 10, 2002 12:00AM
To: Nanci
Nanci- Back in the day, a doctor use to answer the questions on this board. I have found MANY articles on gastritis and weight loss. Here's just one that just might help you ;-) I found it in the archives.

-Jennifer









Subject: Gastritis vs. weight loss

Topic Area: Ulcer

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum

Question Posted By: Eric on Sunday, July 26, 1998







Hi, I'm 26 and have recently been suffering from intermitten abdominal discomfort. It seems to come on more strongly after eating and is generally in the upper left quadrant but will radiate to the middle and even the right side. My primary care physician

has done blood work wich showed only a small concentration of helicobactor (I got the impression that this was not abnormal) but I had him refer me to a gastroenterologist who will be doing an endoscopy sometime in the future. I am currently on prilosec which seems to ease if not remove the discomfort. (I haven't taken any inflammatory drugs in the past).

My big concern is that my appetite has been significantly diminished and even when I'm hungry I don't feel comfortable eating a heavy meal. Traditionally, I have always been a big eater although I have kept my weight in check with a modest fitness program. My question is, these symptoms began about six weeks ago and since then I have lost about 15 pounds (which puts me at my ideal weight) even though I eat about half of what I usually do (excersize has been minimal), and very little dairy and meat, I try to keep up with eating, yet I still feel like I'm losing weight. Is this much weight loss unusual for someone with a decreased appetite and gastritis or a potential ulcer. If not, what could cause this.



Thank you,

Eric



Dear Eric,



Left upper abdominal pain,