Topic Explanation
The forum discussion revolves around the use of Omeprazole (Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor, to slow gastrointestinal motility in individuals with ostomies. The original poster, Bob, shares his initial positive results from taking Omeprazole and seeks feedback from others who have tried similar approaches. The discussion includes experiences with other proton pump inhibitors like Pantoprazole and touches on the potential side effects and long-term implications of using these medications.

Advice and Insights

- Alternative Medications:
- Pantoprazole (Protonix) is mentioned as an effective alternative to Omeprazole, with some users finding it more effective and with fewer side effects.
- Ranitidine (Zantac) was previously used by some participants but was taken off the market.

- Dosage and Timing:
- Bob takes 20mg of Omeprazole in the morning, about 15 minutes before breakfast, and reports a significant reduction in the number of times he needs to empty his bag.
- Another user takes Omeprazole only at night to manage acid imbalance, suggesting that timing can be adjusted based on individual needs.

- Effectiveness:
- Several users report that Omeprazole and Pantoprazole effectively reduce motility and the frequency of bag emptying.
- One user notes that Omeprazole has led to 'pancaking' and a change in output consistency from liquid to a thicker, oatmeal-like texture.

- Side Effects and Concerns:
- Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors can lead to side effects such as B12 deficiency, headaches, and an increased risk of C. diff infection.
- Bob expresses concern about the long-term side effects of Omeprazole and plans to reduce his dosage to mitigate these risks.
- Another user mentions that proton pump inhibitors can decrease digestion efficiency, leading to larger chunks of undigested food in the output.

- Personal Management and Adjustments:
- Bob plans to experiment with a reduced dose of 10mg to find a balance between effectiveness and control over bowel movements.
- Users emphasize the importance of self-management and continual self-assessment to optimize their treatment plans.
- One user takes Omeprazole in combination with Imodium to manage high output from a temporary ileostomy.

- General Observations:
- Some users have not noticed