What are the long-term effects of gastric augmentation?
The stomach secretes acid regardless of where it’s placed in the body — even when it’s attached to the bladder. For this reason, your child will need to take a medication called Tagamet (cimetidine) or Zantac (ranitidine) for several months following the operation. These medications are long-acting antacids. Some children feel discomfort around the bladder every now and then, and these medications may provide relief. Over the long term, the acid usually causes no problems — in fact, it may reduce the rate of urinary tract infections — but in a few children, too much acid can alter their blood chemical balance. If your child gets the flu, he or she will be particularly susceptible to dehydration.
