Post nissen fundoplication questions [Archive]

Gareth_rogers

12-09-2004, 03:40 PM

Hi, for those of you that have had the nissen fundoplication
performed. Other than the obvious symptom of getting food stuck - what other symptoms did you have that caused you to get the LES scretched ?

I am getting lots of gas (gas pains), and also contant air comming up (not burps). I can burp occasionaly but nothing like before. I also still get food stuck if I eat to fast. I had the surgery 6 months ago...

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Katie G

01-03-2005, 02:25 PM

Hi there - I had Nissan done back in 2001. To this day, I still cannot burp well, and trapped gas HURTS!!!!! And yes, if I try to eat too fast, food will get stuck on the way down, and I have to vomit it back up.

However, if food gets all the way to the stomach, I cannot vomit it. That's been a big downer when I've had a stomach virus and all I wanted to do was hang my head over the toilet bowl to feel better. However, if food/liquid reaches the stomach, I can only dry heave.

I had the LES stretched 6 mos after surgery, but that's been it. I don't want to take any chances on allowing the reflux to start up again, so will live with the problems of difficulty burping/vomiting.

Katie G

Gareth_rogers

01-04-2005, 04:44 PM

Hi, thanks for the feedback. Not to get to personal but where do you get the gas trapped ? I get a lot of gas trapped in the intestines....it just sits there and hurts like heck.......as soon as I exercise out it comes.......I was thinking that maybe by bowels are going on me, but then it could be the extra gas from the fundo....

Katie G

01-05-2005, 10:19 AM

Hi again - don't worry about being too personal on this board - it's one of the best places to vent and spill our guts (no pun intended).

Anyway - my gas gets trapped initially at mid-chest level causing severe chest pain - like a heart attack would feel I suppose. Sometimes the gas even causes esophgeal spasms and heart flutters which eventually move on down. Yes, I get intestinal pain too, and the only was to expel it is through the bottom end. I've had to learn to accept flatulence as a way of life and try not to be too embarrassed by it.

Eat slowly, chew thoroughly and don't gulp liquids - this may reduce your gas problems. Otherwise, gas after fundo is the nature of the beast.

Good luck to you,
Katie G

gavntricia

01-08-2005, 02:54 AM

Hi i have had a hellers and nissans i have Triple A syndrome and thankfully i do not get trapped gas whic causes a problem thugh this could be helped by the fact i get OGD every 6 months
I had my hellers early 90's and my nissans late 90's

hope you feel abit better ask any questions nothings personal ask away

Gareth_rogers

01-11-2005, 11:59 AM

Hi, what is a OGD ??

gavntricia

01-13-2005, 11:03 AM

Hi i have had the nissans done in 1997-98 before that i had a hellers something or other 6-8 years previously. I fortunately can burp i guess esily and vomiting has never been a problem i would say im apro i have triple A syndrome which caused this and unfortunately i get 6 month periodically stretched OGD hows it going after you nissans.

Gareth_rogers

01-13-2005, 03:02 PM

OGD - does this mean they stretch your esophagus ?

gavntricia

01-15-2005, 03:50 AM

Roger Yes OGD is oesophageal dialitation (cant spell) i get 'stretched every 6 months or so or as needed.

sousou

01-17-2005, 02:33 AM

you are scaring me !! my husband had the surgery a month ago, he still doesn't burp easily but it is getting better, food going down is getting better but he has to drink a lot of liquid with each bite....did you loose weight?? he lost about 16 pounds.
is it true about the vomiting, he checked with the doctor before having the surgery and he said no.
we'll keep our fingers crossed.

sousou

01-17-2005, 02:34 AM

I forgot to tell you that my husband is 47 , does age matter??
thanks

Katie G

01-17-2005, 10:59 AM

Hi there - I don't mean to scare you about not being able to vomit. That's what I was told by my surgeon because he does a "tight" wrap. I had the surgery almost 4 years ago and to this day cannot vomit if food/liquid reaches my stomach - so if I get a stomach "bug" I either dry heave or spend all day very nauseous. Fortunately, the GI viruses I've had traveled through the stomach very quickly and the nausea was minimal - my problem was severe diarrhea instead. Burping is still difficult for me.

Not all fundoplication patients have this problem - depends on the tightness of the wrap - some will perform partial or looser wraps to allow easy burping/vomiting as needed. However, my surgeon knew that my LES was weak and a loose wrap would not be effective in preventing reflux. So if and when I can burp, it's a "dry" belch (no acid taste, yay!), or if I do burp before food/liquid reaches the stomach, it does come back up the esophagus, but does not burn since it has not reached the acid in my stomach.

I lost 25 lbs. after surgery and kept it off for about a year. However, the weight has been slowly creeping back on, and I've gained most of it back even though I tried not to. I was 39 when I had my surgery - I don't know how age factors in to recovery, etc. I've heard of many different people having the procedure regardless of age - even teenagers have been known to have it!

Please don't let me scare you - if your husband's doctor said vomiting and burping would not be a problem, then it probably won't be. I was informed right up front about the long-term consequences of my fundo, so my situation is probably different from your husband's.

Good luck to both of you,
Katie G

gavntricia

01-22-2005, 04:07 AM

Hey SouSou, not too scare you aswell every one (all doctors say i am quit ean exception as i waS very young when i had every thing done apart from the OGd which continue. but i had the "very tight" wrap ec when i was 8-9 then it was reveresed a few years later. i dont know if i lost eight i ditn gain any i know that but i couldnt swallow fo rmost of my life so i was never. heavy weighted. 9 years old i was 53 pounds.

as was mentioned everyone is diffrent and what is happenign with your hubbie now may not be the case in a year if that. give it time to settle in to his other systems etc.
good luck keep us posted

seymore44

04-07-2008, 05:42 PM

Katie G you have been very helpful on this nissen fundo stuff. I had the surgery almost 5 years ago and no longer have GERD but I have a slew of other problems as a result of the fundoplication. I thought I was going out of my mind. I believe I've developed symptoms comparable with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I get severe diarrhea, gas, bloating and nausea which alternates with constipation. My stomach gurgles and rumbles constantly, especially when I lay on my back. I cannot eat very much at one sitting or I get diarreha. Some episodes have been so severe I was on the toilet for 2 hours straight in dire agony. I do not have problems with vomitting or burping but still get food stuck on occassion. I have found a few things to help me live with these problems but no long term solutions. My symptoms increase when I'm stressed or anxious. I dread having to go on trips that involve long hours in a vehicle as I never know when my "IBS" will kick in and I need to get to a bathroom ASAP. I'm glad I no longer have reflux but in retrospect, I think I would prefer that instead of the diarrhea and gas. Does anyone else have these problems? Any suggestions or will I be doomed to live with this?

Katie G

04-07-2008, 06:01 PM

Hi seymore44 - I just saw your message. Your "IBS" symptoms are very, very real and can be managed with medication if needed. I went through the same problem with urgent (and sometimes uncontrolled!:mad:) diarrhea after my gall bladder surgery in '97, which then worsened even more after my fundo. I found this website to be so very helpful...one poster told me about Colestid (prescription) which helps to bind to the bile our livers dump into the small intestine. Some of us have something called "bile salt diarrhea" that can become problematic after any kind of abdominal surgery. I had problems with urgent diarrhea right after every meal, and had to actually leave work a few times when I couldn't get to the bathroom in time. I was very embarrased by this problem and didn't want to leave the house. So I just didn't eat instead....not very smart, I know. Anyway, when I posted my problem on this board, someone told me about Colestid and how it binds to the bile from the liver and "soaks" it up to control the diarrhea. Now I may have urgent diarrhea maybe once or twice a month vs. 5-8 times per day before. I've been taking Colestid since 2001 and hope I never have to go off from it.

Check it out online....I'm actually using it in an "off-label" way, but many docs are starting to see the benefit of helping those of us with bile salt diarrhea. Do a search on the symptoms of bile salt diarrhea and see if that sounds like your problem. If so, Colestid may be the thing for you. Good luck and let me know how it goes for you!

Katie G :)

seymore44

04-08-2008, 11:04 AM

Katie, thank you so much for your quick response and suggested treatment. I will research both bile salt diarrhea and colestid. I'll let you know the outcome. Thanks so much!

thomas3402

04-30-2008, 01:10 PM

Hello , I had this operation four years ago and I have to say that I would not have done it if I knew the reprocutions. I have Painful Constant Bloating and Gas,and you might know that if you get a stomach virus that it takes you about three times longer to get rid of it. That is because you can't throw-up. I think everyone has felt like , if I just throw up I will feel better. Well Dry heaving is not fun. You just have to stay sick until it comes out the other end. My question is this (DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THIS OPERATION IS REVERSIBLE) so some of us can get our life back. Please Let me know if anyone knows of this.
Thanks and God Bless, Thomas

gaugreg1x

04-30-2008, 02:55 PM

I had it in 1995. I also would not do it over again if I knew the results. I still suffer with gas bloat, and worse than that, it did no help much with the GERD at all. I am presently on Prevacid 30mg in am and pm, and Zantac 300mg befero bedtime. I also still get large pills stuck in my throat at times. I was not comfortable eating for months after that operation. Greg

debbieg79

05-21-2008, 11:35 PM

I had the nissen surgery about a month ago. I can relate with all who are suffering with gas and bloating. I am just now beginning soft foods. It's a hit or miss process. I find that Gas-X helps when it gets painful. I too have trouble swallowing and sometimes food does get stuck. I've found that tiny bites and chewing, chewing, chewing have helped the most.

inspectormoe

06-07-2008, 04:21 PM

Has anyone had a reversal and if so, are you happy with the results?

colinas68

06-22-2008, 11:08 AM

Hi,
I'm Nick 20 years old got a nissend fundoplication may 20th
4 weeks have passed since my operation and I'm experiencing some problems
very bad sour bitter taste in my saliva occasionaly is my major concerne, i also have gas and bloating but i know does are pretty normal at least in the first period of recovery,
as any body experienced the bitter taste are can give me any indication of the meaning of this occasional symptom?

My other questions are for those who got the precedure done for a while
when can I try drinking wine are any alcholic beverage are smoke?
Thank you very much Nick

inspectormoe

06-22-2008, 05:43 PM

The taste in your mouth could possibly be from stuff sitting above the wrap area. Is it more noticeable after sleeping or do you burp it up while awake? How is the swallowing at 4wks, i.e. is food going through o.k.?

Alcohol is a tough one to answer. Some fundo patients can tolerate it after recovery and others it causes pain even when healed. I can take an ounce or less and do o.k., it actually soothes the stomach (red wine). More than that and it's pain. Beer for me is hard, and hard alcohol is definitely out for me. Smoking I can't comment on as I'm a non-smoker. You are really early in your recovery so be patient and give the wrap time to heal.

colinas68

06-29-2008, 04:29 PM

Thanks for the previous answers.
The saliva bitter taste is gone
but I'm going through alot of gas and bloating is it normal in the first period of recovery after the procedure?
Another question I have is now that six weeks have past from the operation can start having sex again?
Is it ok to play tennis,soccer and other sports where there is no weight lifting?

inspectormoe

08-01-2008, 11:44 PM

Sorry to be so long getting back to you, we were gone for the last month so I just saw your post. Now that it has been a month longer than your six weeks, I'm sure you have already tested the water about your last question....I know I had :) From what I have been told things are about as attached internally as they will ever get by six weeks, it's just the odd pangs and eating that are still be adapted to. I hope you're doing fine and should be a LOT faster responding now. Good luck!

jpatt

10-15-2008, 05:25 AM

Hi all, I had a Nissen Fundoplication on Sept. 23 2008. Before the surgery, I had bad acid reflux, sour taste in my mouth, horrible halitosis, heartburn and trouble breathing. Since the surgery, i still have these problems except for the breathing. My doctor said that I should not have acid reflux again and no need for medicine etc. So when i got home, my wife bought me some chocolate pudding for part of my soft diet, which I ate and immediately had heartburn. I ate some Tom Khar soup, which has lime in it. it brought back the sour taste. So 3 weeks post-op, I still have acid reflux and flame-thrower breath. one of the reasons i had the surgery is because of my breath. The doctor said I needed the surgery because i had a hiatal hernia, which was inflamed. but I was hoping for better results. I can swallow pretty well as long as I chew well. am I over-reacting? Is it still too soon after surgery?

Katie G

10-15-2008, 10:20 AM

Did the doc repair your hiatal hernia during fundo? I had a large hernia and it was repaired during my fundo procedure. So sorry you're still having issues...my surgery was 7 years ago, and my reflux symptoms are still gone. However, will never be able to throw up again, and when I've been sick, the dry heaves are HORRIBLE!!! Usually a stomach virus just goes out the other end as uncontrolled diarrhea since surgery.

Good luck to you!
Katie

inspectormoe

10-15-2008, 02:15 PM

Your recovery is still really early so the burning sensation could still be just the healing. Your G.I. (or surgeon) can do a Ph test to confirm or rule out reflux. A lot of post fundo patients experience the burning and go back on antacids which seems to give no benefit, as it isn't reflux. Unless there is something mechanically wrong with the wrap, give it some time to heal as it can take months. I'd be really surprised if the hernia wasn't repaired while doing the fundo, I can't imagine a surgeon not doing that. Good luck with feeling better.

As far as dry heaves with a stomach virus those are the pits. It is definitely no fun and it seems it takes the body awhile to go to plan B for ridding itself of the bug through the rear exit :) That is the downside to the fundo. I'm 5-1/2 yrs post op and have no reflux to my knowledge, nor can I burp so things are tight.

jpatt

10-15-2008, 07:44 PM

no my doctor is the professor of surgery at northwestern hospital in chicago. he repaired my hiatal hernia and did the wrap. he said everything went extremely well and he has done this surgery a 1000 times. my incisions are healing nicely. it is just chocolate causes my acid reflux and when i ate it after the surgery. i got heartburn and the sour taste in my mouth. i'm hoping it is just my body healing and my lower esophagal spincter muscle hasn't fully healed yet. i'll just be patient. my stomach area is still tender so i'll keep eating soft food and should eat better anyways. thanks. i'll keep you posted.

inspectormoe

10-15-2008, 07:53 PM

I sure hope things get better for you. What has your surgeon said about the situation; to wait and see what heals etc? I wish you all the best healing.

jpatt

10-16-2008, 01:22 AM

thanks, i'll give it time. i see him again in december. i should know by then how i stand. i just don't want anymore reflux.

jpatt

10-21-2008, 04:35 AM

i'm cutting down on the coffee and the dairy. i bought some soy milk. it seems to be working. i hopethis helps.

francismarie

11-11-2008, 08:26 PM

I was relieved to find a discussion from recent nissen f. patients. I had mine done on 9/22 and have had a fairly smooth recovery. Eating reasonable quantities of food is difficult and I feel like proper nutrition is a problem. A more recent concern that I have is sharp pains under my ribcage several times a day. I don't know if this is a normal post op situation and wonder that I have been overdoing my activity level.

MountainReader

11-12-2008, 12:36 AM

Francis,
I had my surgery on 10 /2. I'm struggling with the proper nutrition as well. I'm doing better swallowing, but I am still on a mostly liquid diet with some soft foods. My problem has been that as I have added food back into my diet, my digestive system hasn't been really happy. It is even more frustrating because I'm ok with a food one time and the next it upsets my stomach. After about week 2, I've had some bad bouts of nausea.

I had some food allergy testing last week and I go in for some further bloodwork to see how my nutrition issues are affecting my body.

francismarie

11-12-2008, 06:47 PM

I have added many things back into my diet as well, but they don't always agree I still don't eat bread and most all meats. My meals are very small and I find that it helps if I sip hot tea before eating to relax swallowing muscles. I am hoping that the adjustments just take lots of time.

jpatt

11-15-2008, 04:52 AM

tonight, i ate a cheeseburger. my surgeon said after 6 weeks. had no problems with it at all. i have not tried steak yet. my only real problems with food are dairy and foods that give me gas. i get really uncomfortable and take some tums. it helps. i've heard it takes a few months for the gas to go away. my problem is that i still have reflux, which seems to be worse and my heartburn is really bad worse then before.

inspectormoe

11-15-2008, 08:27 PM

I assume you are at the six week or so mark which for a fundo is real early in recovery. You may just be feeling the burning sensation that accompanies the healing and is actually not reflux. However if you are indeed refluxing (confirmed by PH test or acid in the mouth etc) that is a different animal all together. I would give it some time to see if things settle down. The healing symptoms are all over the place with this surgery! :)

Solid foods come slowly and your digestive system isn't bashful about letting you know when you have over done things. It seems nausea is a very common syptom as we heal and to this day (5-1/2yrs later) if I over do physically or eat the wrong foods, I still get nausea. It can take up to a year to fully heal and some take even longer so don't be discouraged by early problems, as most will fade as time goes by.

francismarie

11-15-2008, 10:48 PM

Has anyone else had trouble with sharp pains around the left side of their ribcage following nissen fundoplication? I plan to call the surgeon's office on Monday, but they have been happening a few times a day or more for the last few weeks and can be quite severe. I had my nissen on 9/22.

MountainReader

11-15-2008, 11:11 PM

I had my Nissen on 10/2. For the first several weeks, I had a lot of sharp pain under my left ribcage. I triggered the pain when I moved or took a deep breath. I realized pretty quickly that that was where they moved my stomach from when they did the wrap. I figure they must have had to move some things around and it would take a while for the entire area to heal.

chappers

11-16-2008, 05:34 PM

Hi all
I am 40yrs old and had the nissen fundoplication procedure 6 days ago,i can burp ok,it does not hurt to eat particularly but i have diahorea and severe stomach bloating and gas,i know it is very early days but reading on this forum has made me very very scared.The surgeon also found a hernia which he put right. My acid reflux was manageable with tablets prior to the op,i am begining to think wether it was the right decision.
Can i ask has anyone had this and is now fully happy,i do have a friend who had it 8 yrs ago and she has never looked back.
I have to say i am praying the way i feel now is not the sign of things to come.

MountainReader

11-16-2008, 05:50 PM

chappers,
Are you eating regular food already? My surgeon was VERY clear with me that I should only have liquids for the first two weeks. He said no lumps at all during that time. He wanted me to have time for some of the stomach swelling to go down first. I was on mostly clear liquids for the first week. I added other liquids the second week. I haven't had the gas issues that others have had. I think that the liquid only diet for the first couple weeks really had something to do with that.

My reflux was really triggering my asthma. The acid was irritating my lungs. Medication was no longer helping. I am 6 weeks out from surgery and have had no problems with my asthma at all.

I have had a few digestive issues. My GI doc told me that my stomach was upset at having literally been tied up. He told me it may take a few months until it settles down completely.

Try doing an internet search on "Gas bloat syndrome". It is usually temporary after Fundoplication.

jpatt

11-17-2008, 12:51 AM

it has been over 6 weeks. i ate a lot of soft foods after the surgery. just recently, i've started to eat bread with my cheeseburger and i had a chicken salad sandwich. i have no problems eating as long as i chew real well. but chocolate and some other foods like dairy give me heartburn and a sour taste in my mouth. i have been taking zegrid again. it doesn't seem to help at all.

chappers

11-17-2008, 04:10 AM

MountainReader.
Thank you for your reply,I am in the uk so some of my termanology may seem strange.
I am eating porridge,Yogurt and fruit juice. My surgeon said soft food for 6 weeks. I was given poridge whilst in hospital.I have an appointment with my GP(Doctor) today as i have many questions.
I will take a look at gas bloat syndrom.
Thanks

Murph7

11-24-2008, 04:08 PM

I am 54 yrs old and had a fundo back in '91 and now it appears the hiatal repair has failed. I'm scheduled for an upper GI in the next two weeks. Doc says going back in after original abdominal surgery can be very risky because of adhesions that have formed. Anyone have any similar experience. eating is becoming more painful daily. He also said he didn't think it could be done laproscopicly and i really don't want to be split from crotch to sternum again!:confused:

Vulcanrider

11-25-2008, 09:25 PM

I had the Nissen in '02, started as a lap then had to convert to open, and I'm having all the issues mentioned here, no regurg (for ANY reason), symptoms of IBS (uncontrolled, the docs I see are military and refuse to admit that this is a by-product of the surgery) and abdominal pains from what the surgeon thinks is adhesions. Good thing, the wrap is still tight, and there's NO reflux. I had the surgery to correct the LES and try to stop the advance of Barrett's. Also had a lap choley about 6 months later, so that opened an whole new can of worms with the digestive tract. Can't use NSAIDs at all (per my original surgeon) and still take PPIs daily, but would really like to find a doc that will help with the IBS stuff and this constant pain. Had me on Percocet for awhile (one or two 5/325s a day), but they're getting antsy about narcotics, even when they work.

On an unrelated topic, this no NSAIDs has become an issue since I've torn a rotator cuff and am trying to heal that with exercise, ice and heat but nothing for the pain and inflammation...:)

inspectormoe

11-25-2008, 10:59 PM

I had my fundo 5-1/2 yrs ago and have had pain etc for the entire time due to adhesions and to tight of a wrap. I wanted the wrap reversed, i.e. taken down. I found a well known surgeon that would do the take down and has the philosphy that if the problems still exlist after six weeks, it needs to come down. Unfortunately he does not contract with any insurance company but does however accept what they pay with the patient making up the rest.

To date I have known personally of two successful reversals that were both done lap and there are many more with lap. It is indeed more complicated due to the encasement of the area with scar tissue. One surgeon told me it would be a 50-50 chance of fixing things in my case. There are patients who have had 2 and 3 re-do's for fundo's but as was noted, the success rate falls as the number of procedures are redone.

Nothing is a guarantee with this surgery. It is doable but comes down to the risk you are willing to take. Hire a competent surgeon who has done redo's and it ups the odds of a successful outcome. I am looking into being evaluated to see if a reversal has a resonable chance. Good luck with overcoming the issues!

philip43

12-18-2008, 04:06 AM

ive had the sour taste on and of for nearly 18mths now!

inspectormoe

12-18-2008, 02:01 PM

Have you had the tests to determine the severity of reflux or have you already had a Nissen and feel it has failed? Either way a Ph test is the minimum to confirm reflux and the severity.

jpatt

12-21-2008, 03:06 PM

I had a barium swallow x-ray. the doctor said the surgery looks fine. it is my esophagus that is irritated from the years of reflux. i need to let the nerves heal. he gave me Carafate, which you take like cough syrup. it seems to help. i should also avoid coffee and other foods that are irritants. i've tried with the coffee. i down to a cup or two a day. we'll see? other then that, i can eat whatever. food seldom gets stuck. i just need to avoid spicy, hot or cold foods.

inspectormoe

12-21-2008, 03:43 PM

I've used the Carafate as well, it coats things to protect the lining. Not the most fun stuff to drink but it helps. Has the doc performed a endoscope besides the barium? It would make sense to have a look at what is going on unless the surgery is real recent.

I understand about the coffee, there is only so much we can give! :)

jpatt

12-27-2008, 01:14 AM

no i have not had another endoscopy. He believes it is the irritation of the esophagus. it all seems to me to be from above the stomach. i have another appointment with him in january. he seems to be concerned, which is good. some doctors dump you after surgery. i have noticed if i drink coffee or eat chocolate. i get heartburn, sour taste etc. my doctor told me this is from my esophagus being irritated from reflux for years and the nerves need time to heal, so it is still having trouble dealing with trouble foods. i'll keep you posted.

inspectormoe

12-27-2008, 01:56 PM

It seems odd you are still experiencing reflux like symptoms from just the trigger foods like you would pre-surgery. Do other foods cause the same problems? I have a wrap which has some mechanical issues one of which is too tight. I can get food that sticks on the upside of the wrap which then causes me to puke out the saliva and food that is lodged there but I don't get the burning, nor sour taste you describe. It's good the doctor isn't dropping your case like a hot rock as to many do. A PH test would sure rule in or out the acid reflux question. Keep us posted and good luck at the appt. in January!

MountainReader

12-27-2008, 10:41 PM

I had my surgery about 12 weeks ago. My GI doc made it clear that I need to continue to take my PPI's and follow the anti-reflux diet even with the surgery. This was disappointing to me because the surgeon told me I wouldn't need them afterwards. Anyway, I am still pretty much avoiding all of the trigger foods still. I've also only just started adding meat and bread back into my diet per my surgeon's directions to give it several months after the surgery for the stomach swelling to go down.

I haven't had any of my original reflux related breathing problems, but I'm still getting some nausea and have some other digestive issues. I'm a few weeks past due for my latest follow-up with the GI doc. My surgeon saw me at a week out and then released me.

inspectormoe

12-28-2008, 02:33 PM

MountainReader, I'm surprised at the comment that your doctor said to remain on PPI's. The few G.I.'s/surgeon's I've spoken with have all said the meds could be tossed for the majority of patients. More after surgery patients take the meds because they believe they need them but in reality they don't. I have taken maybe less than a dozen PPI's in the last 5-1/2yrs because of stomach acid, not reflux. The burning feeling at the pit of the stomach is pretty normal just due to the healing process which can be up to a year for some. Your doctor maybe treating you with PPI's for some other reason but I'm surprised you still are told to continue.

Bread and meat are some tough foods to get down in the early months after surgery so listen to your wrap if it complains (gets stuck, hurts etc) then fall back to softer foods.

Take care :)

jpatt

12-28-2008, 03:17 PM

my guy said the reflux should stop and believes this is from the nerves in my esophagus (am i spelling that right?). i had a restricted diet for the first 6 weeks, but now i can eat whatever i want. food would get stuck at first, but now i am eating fine. the main burning is in my esophagus, and it is different then before the surgery. i can't really tell you if non-trigger foods have the same effect. i have to pay more attention to them when i eat. i think i am going to give up coffee. this is tough. but as my doctor says, the reflux has caused damage to my esophagus over the years and it needs time to heal. but with christmas, i have eaten some goodies i have shouldn't have.

inspectormoe

12-29-2008, 01:45 PM

I can sure sympathize with the Holidays, I have about zero will power during that time :) We have to enjoy a few things! I am trying to give up coffee as well but that is a real tough go so far. I try weaning myself down so we'll see if that works.

I sure hope your esophagus heals so you can get the burning behind you. It just seems odd the burning occurs with the trigger foods and not others. This healing from the Nissen surgery can cause symptoms all over the place as it heals. Keep us posted :)

jpatt

12-31-2008, 07:53 AM

Tonight i drove to michigan to go to a casino. (i'm down $200). but i ate a bag of cashews, and i notice they irritated my throat. i just wish i could get this taste out of my mouth. it is annoying.

inspectormoe

12-31-2008, 01:42 PM

I find I have more issues with oily foods but nuts have never bothered my throat; were they salted? Maybe the salt irritated the tissues? If the nuts didn't go through the wrap and are just sitting there could they be coming back up some? I hope you did better at the casino :)

jpatt

01-03-2009, 01:55 AM

They were salted. i've read to avoid eating abrasive things too to heal the esophagus. nuts, rough breads, raw vegetables etc. these seem to irritate it. i've only drank one cup of coffee today. boy do i have a headache.

jpatt

01-03-2009, 01:59 AM

my surgery does not bother me too much. today i ate a little fast. it let me know, but i can't remember the last time it happened. the only problem i had was i fell iceskatin pretty hard and i believe i shook up my insides because they hurt for the rest of the day. a few days after, i had gas really bad and put pressure on the stitches, which caused some pain but other then that i think the surgery went fine.

inspectormoe

01-03-2009, 07:02 PM

I'm glad you didn't hurt yourself when you fell ice skating! Your surgery is relatively recent so hopefully things will improve as time goes by. Raw vegetables are o.k. except I find celery a hard one but raw broccoli etc can build gas big time. Chicken that is somewhat dry is a tough swallow at the wrap along with tougher breads like Cibata or French. One I find I really have to take my time with is really lean hamburger as it gets caught at the wrap.

Lets hope you continue to improve as it heals :)

jpatt

01-08-2009, 02:53 AM

i can pretty much eat anything now without thinkin about it. but i have esophagitis.anything i eat basically irritates my esophagus. i ate some pretzel rods tonight. they irritated it. i've tried to eat better foods, but i have not put the full effort into it. raw vegetables, bread, coffee and chocolate irritate my esophagus right now. as my doctor said it needs time to heal. i see him this month. hopefully he has a suggestion.

inspectormoe

01-08-2009, 01:43 PM

I can sure sympathize with the fact it is hard to give up the foods we like. My brain still doesn't want to accept I should avoid certain foods but I keep trying them! I hope you get some resolve when you see the doctor; keep us posted! :)

jpatt

01-27-2009, 04:16 PM

he's going to give me another ph test to see where we are at. i'll let you know after it is done.

inspectormoe

01-27-2009, 04:20 PM

I'm glad to hear they are going to see what is going on. Let us know how that turns out :)

JackieN

02-16-2009, 05:33 PM

Hello, I just had the wrap/fundoplication done on 2/11 and am interested in how people are recovering. I still feel like I have reflux and the worst thing is that I've had a bile taste in my mouth for many years and it still seems to be there. Doctor said I could eat scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes along with liquids, as I am starving! Any support you folks can give is very much appreciated!

inspectormoe

02-16-2009, 06:34 PM

JackieN, you are really early in the recovery which means a lot of patients experience burning which is actually part of the healing. Things have been traumatized considerably so the inflammation etc feels like reflux but most of the time it isn't. That will last for some time and is different for each individual. If you are considering eggs and potatoes at this early time, I would make sure they are really soft and pureed as eggs can be difficult for some to get down. Don't try to rush the eating, stick with things that are soft, or even drinkable for the early part of recovery. It sucks I know when all you want to do is sink your teeth into something solid but fight the urge. Your wrap will thank you for it.

The bile taste maybe from saliva and food that gets stuck above the wrap and regurgitates back up, that's real common as well. If you indeed feel it's reflux the doctor will have to repeat the PH test as it's basically the only way to tell, but I think you'll find you are o.k. :)

JackieN

02-17-2009, 01:34 AM

Thank you so much for your support. It took me years to find a doctor to do the wrap and I am so hoping that it will help me! I will write again in a few days.

inspectormoe

02-17-2009, 05:02 PM

Good luck and just take it slow, it will pay you back with a successful outcome. It gets frustrating with the liquids and soft foods, as I know it drove me nuts :) but in the long run it's worth it.

We'll look forward to hearing good results!

jpatt

02-18-2009, 02:38 PM

i had the endoscopy, but they didn't give me the bravo test like i thought. i do have 2 ulcers though, so i got that going for me. i quit coffee 3 days ago. that's tough. i'll call the nurse to see if i should have had the bravo test or not.

jpatt

02-18-2009, 02:41 PM

eat a lot of liquid yogurt drinks that's what i did. i had mine 9/23/09. it takes awhile as the inspector said, but i have no problems eating now. i don't think about it. just as your doctor lets you progress to solid foods remember to chew them thoroughly, and you'll be alright.

inspectormoe

02-18-2009, 03:47 PM

I'm sorry to hear you have some ulcers to deal with and hope that goes well. When the doctor did the scope, did he mention if the esophagus was irritated or anything to indicate reflux? Most likely had it been reflux he would have commented on that so I assume the burning is attributed to inflammation from healing. As JPatt stated do the yogurt etc as it does make a difference.

To show you how some doctors have an unreal expectation of the operation, my first breakfast plate (next morning) at the hospital was French toast! No way was that about to happen. That evening they gave me spagetti and meatballs! I had to ask to see the dietician to get it straightened out as I had enough issue with liquids. Sounds like you will be fine.

piedpiper

02-18-2009, 11:47 PM

:wave: I had a nissan in 1994,tough operation but it totally relieved my severe gerd
symptoms.I had been diagnosed with barretts esophagus,and been put on
every medicine available with no improvement.My gastrologist finally sent me to a surgeon.As the years went by I still had no reflux symptoms,always a
little hard to burb,but no problems.Two months ago I was having my bi-yearly
endoscopy as a precaution for the barrets and going in I was also starting to have some gerd,after the procedure the dr told me he didnt see the nissan.
Since then I have had severe gerd,esophagitis and wheezing(from refluxed
acid going into my lungs.)They have tried nexiumx2,zantacx2,carafate and reglanx3 daily and my symptoms havent improved.I also have been following
all reflux rules with no improvement except side effects from mounds of meds.
Finally today I am being sent for a consult with a thoracic surgeon for possible redone.I am certainly not looking forward to another sternum to
belly button split as I am 6'1" and 250 and unable to have the lap procedure.
I would try anything to rid myself of this disabling severe gerd and esophagitis
especially having the barretts too.I hope the surgeon thinks I am a good candidate and will do the redone.....(3 weeks to go till appointment):wave:

Harry

02-19-2009, 02:14 AM

piedpiper,
What a horror story!!

I have been on this board since 1999 and reading about all the surgeries.

I am sure the surgical procedure has greatly improved since 1994-- your last procedure date.

I wish well---Harry

inspectormoe

02-19-2009, 12:55 PM

Piedpiper, sorry to hear you are having such difficulty again. There are surgeon's who do the repeat surgeries lap so I would definitely get a second opinion if you can. It maybe worth the search to avoid the open procedure. I wish you all the best!

jpatt

02-20-2009, 04:04 PM

I talked to the nurse of the doctor that performed my endoscopy. along with two ulcers, i still have esophagitis caused by reflux. i will talked to my doctor later after i get back from hawaii.

inspectormoe

02-20-2009, 04:51 PM

Jpatt, let us know how it goes, I'm sorry to hear you are having issues with reflux. Did the doctor mention he suspects wrap looseness or failure? Hawaii sounds good right now! :)

JackieN

02-22-2009, 03:45 PM

piedpiper

02-23-2009, 10:54 AM

Dear Jackie N,
My gastrologist told me he didn't see the nissan when he did the endoscopy.I assume it had just come undone.I
hope your symptoms start to improve after your nissan.
Brian

Vulcanrider

02-23-2009, 08:02 PM

Just had my bi-annual EGD, and am back on the annual schedule. Apparently the nexium isn't working all that well so they added Zantac x 2 daily. Still haven't seen the actual report, just the notes from the IM to my provider. I'm getting tired of all this. I was on Prevacid, things were looking good, and they took it out of the military pharmacies! I'm not supposed to take any NSAIDS, have the bland diet and now no coffee. What's next?

inspectormoe

02-23-2009, 10:32 PM

Vulcanrider, I would assume from the statement regarding going to an annual exam, things must be in pretty good condition. Had the G.I. found questionable issues, it would be reasonable to be on a more frequent recheck. Possibly the doctor is seeing a little gastritis, so that would explain the NSAIDS. What was your primary complaint? Have you tried the life style changes, i.e. elevated sleeping, diet modifications, eating at least 4-5 hrs before sleep etc. to control reflux if this is what you are experiencing. Maybe a little more information for us would be good.

jpatt

02-27-2009, 09:30 PM

Jpatt, let us know how it goes, I'm sorry to hear you are having issues with reflux. Did the doctor mention he suspects wrap looseness or failure? Hawaii sounds good right now! :)

he mentioned he may have to tighten it, but i don't think i'm ready for it now. maybe in the fall? i am going to try and take zegrerid again, since i have quit coffee. i ate some lamb this week with tsatiki sauce (or however you spell it). it gave me some mean reflux even though i have not dranken anything but water and apple sauce for three weeks.

Vulcanrider

02-28-2009, 11:40 AM

Yeah, Moe, been doing all the "lifestyle" changes since the fundo in '02. Haven't spoken to the GI, but my Primary Care Manager told me they found some additional irritation during the last EGD, and recommended going to the one year observation.

I didn't really have any additional complaints, this was my regular EGD. My doc asked about any additional symptoms, and I had to tell him I wasn't having any. His explanation was I could have some reflux and not know about it. Funny that, since I suffered for over a week from the biopsy samples (13 of them, according to the report). The whole thing started with some asthma issues and my PCM's thinking that it might be reflux causing some irritation in my lungs as well.

I'm waiting until the actual report gets into my records so I can read it for myself and not depend on an "interpretation" from a second party. I might not have a degree, but I've been putting up with this since the early '80s, I'm thinking I can figure out what they're talking about THEN ask the right questions. BTW, my doc HATES it when I do that...

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02-28-2009, 12:46 PM

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