I take tums (calcium carbonate) every night for acid reflux.....would it be better to have an operation? omeprazole causes pain to my hips.

Go to your Doctor: Chronic reflux is not normal but does not mean you need surgery right away. Adjusting your diet and lifestyle is key. Surgery is usually the last option. If all you have done is take over the counter medications then it is time to get to your doctor and likely a scope of your esophagus and stomach will be recommended. Long term untreated reflux can lead to cancer in the esophagus. Get evaluated.

Last resort: Lifestyle management is key. Keep a food diary and see what triggers. Another class of drug are h2 blockers like pepcid (famotidine). May also need endoscopy and/or x-ray studies. If all you've tried so far is otc meds, see your doc for more workup.

Check causes: Agree with dr. S and dr. M about checking lifestyle factors before surgery. Also check for h. Pylori, a germ that can turn on the acid tap in your stomach. If you have h. Pylori and are treated, then sometimes this helps burning acid reflux that won't go away. Good luck. Hope you feel better soon!