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Posted 7/6/2009 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Marie,
I had the Nissen surgery on February 27th of this year, so I'm four months post op. My surgeon was much more lenient on eating than pelaine's. I had liquids in the hospital, and went to soft foods at home for 5 days. When I went to see him on Day 5, he gave me permission to eat anything that could be chewed to a liquid, which is a lot of leeway.

I have had no problems with following that advice. I took small bites, and chewed thoroughly. At this point I'm still chewing and eating more slowly. I'm not challenging the wrap if I don't need to.

You don't need to worry if you end up needing the surgery. You DO need to do all the research, and choose an extremely qualified surgeon--not generally qualified, but experienced and qualified in the laproscopic Nissen procedure. There are lots of surgeons who feel confident in doing the surgery, but don't have enough experience to do it correctly. Mine was recommended highly by my GI doc and others I questioned. He had done 300+ lap nissens successfully, and had only 2 redos--one had come undone because of a snowmobile accident and the other from a car accident.

The "tube" that is often put down the throat to keep a the wrap from being too tight is called a "bougie". My doctor used it, and my wrap has never given me an ounce of trouble. I have read, though, that some doctors are concerned that the bougie could perforate the esophagus, so those doctors prefer to "wing it" with a loose wrap. Once again, I'm sure this is great and very successful, as long as you're working with a highly qualified surgeon.

Bill, a veteran member of this site, had a "loose wrap" this time--I believe he had the surgery done in a large medical center. As I said, many doctors do use a bougie to ensure that their patients do not have swallowing problems, but in the right hands, a "loose wrap" will work just fine.

Marie, good luck searching out answers to your questions. If you'd like to see what it's like to recover from a nissen surgery, you can use the Google Custom Search at the top of this page, and search for "Dencha" posts. You could also narrow it by adding nissen fundoplication surgery, or post surgery, etc.
I think you'll find that the recovery is much easier that you would expect. I was certainly pleasantly surprised, and am thrilled with the results. I wish I'd done it years ago.
Take care!
Denise
Posted 7/7/2009 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Marie - I'm doing all right. I did get the test done. Thank God. I couldn't have been happier to get that thing out.

Oh my gosh you had to have it done 5 times ??? I feel so sorry for you. What a horrid thing to do over and over, yucko.

I hope they did get the darn thing to work right for you. No one wants to do that test again.

It sounds like you and me have the same sort of luck with if any strange fluke could happen it will.

To funny about tripping over the cord and blowing everything up lol

How was your holiday?

Take care, Teala

Posted 7/8/2009 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
 

HI Denise, Teala, Bill and everyone.

How are you guy doing?

Hope you guy have a *Blast* on this beautiful holiday.

The memory - the moment - oh was just amazing.

My 4th of July was beautiful - We watch firework from our 2nd floor windows -

I hold my BabyBee_girl (she is 8months) and with my little homeboyz_baby boy

(he wanta be heman at 6 *Laff* ) watching  firework light onto the sky. Wow - it was breath taking.

Denise

- wow - your Dr. is so impressive - I wish your dr. is here right now :)

Hey Denise - what state /city / hospital and name of your dr that do the surgery?

I am still doing some research - my primary dr doesn't know any. My GI - well - he is not much of a help - Last time, he told me that because of my age - I was too old for the surgery. I never went back to see him! I am 40 - that is strange!  Anyhow, I am going to ask my co-worker at work and some other dr. to see if they know of any good nissen dr.   I saw Chris post somewhere on here regarding to his dr at USC - dr. Lipham. He highly recommand him. I live very close by USC (Los Angeles).

Teala

I know what you mean. While I was wearing that 24HR device, I feel like a fish on a fishing hook *Laff*  *Whew* When I eat, I feel that thing pull - Gee - it is no fun.

Teala, are you able to swallow better recently?

Bill, Teala, and Denise -

Hope you guys did have a big blast on the 4th holiday.

You guy are just an amazing team on here.

I hope I will join you guy someday (the other side)- crossing my finger.

Please take care of yourself - all, and fast recovery and get well soon :D

Thank much

Marie    :-)    

Posted 7/8/2009 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Marie - Glad to hear you had such a fabulous 4th with your daughter and friends.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you to get the help you need. I hope everything goes the way you want it to.

I will probably have to be dilated again to get some relief with the swallowing. I'm hoping they will figure out to do to help with my issues. I'll just have to wait it out for the results first.

Have a wonderful day Marie.

Take care, Teala

Posted 7/8/2009 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Teala,

My reflux - burn stomach and burn throat - every day - burn throat all day and sometime half day with burn stomach every day-all day. It is so painful. I took PPI/a lot of tum and lot of mylanta, etc., everyday - with
no relieve. It seems the burn get more worse and more intense. I wonder if this is normal to wait for the doctor.
I also have to wait for my insurance to approve.
I call the doctor office yesterday - they can't see me until another couple week.
Right now, I also feel so bloated and pain -burn in the stomach & throat.
Teala, do you have to wait for a while before your surgery?
Thank you.
Marie
Posted 7/9/2009 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Marie,
I'm so sorry to hear that you're having so many problems with your reflux. I hope you get relief soon. If you live in the LA area, you won't want to use my surgeon--I'm on the opposite side of the country!

Are you taking medications to try to reduce the acid? That would be a very important first step. I haven't kept up with all your posts, so you may have already said that you are. I hope you can find a good doctor. Be sure to ask people you trust. If you ask around you may find just the right one!

Take care, Marie.
I hope you feel better soon!
Denise
Posted 7/14/2009 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
 

Denise,

Yes - I do take med antiacid to reduce.

Denise,  are you able to eat any type of food at this point after surgery?

Do you still have to take any ppi med or h2-blocker?

I am going to see the doctor soon so I can ask him more question.

Thank  you.

Marie.

Posted 7/14/2009 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
marie - I had my redo nissen done on the 19th of January this year. My doctor did the tests to see if the acid is controlled by the wrap.

I have long segment Barrett's and the doctors want to keep everything monitored.

I have had swallowing issues before my first surgery and still after my second. However, I do not have any heartburn, reflux, regurgitation etc... So the surgery has helped with those areas a great deal for me.

I hope your doing well Marie,

Teala

Posted 7/14/2009 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
Teala,
I was wondering how things have been going. I am eating just about anything I want now. Just smaller portions. Since I can burp this time I can even drink some carbonated drinks without any problems. I have to go back to the GI in November or December so they can see how my Barretts is doing. It just never ends with this disease does it.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 7/14/2009 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
 

Good morning Teala and Bill

How are you both doing?

Am doing well - just been occupied with work stuff - and spending  more time with family.

Researching and working on a fun project that I enjoy recently. Nothing relate to my work.  It is just a fun hobby. Making much progress on the project. :)

Teala and Bill -

It is good to hear from you guy - am happy that you both are doing well.

I am going to the dr. soon this morning and see what up with the test.

I will see you guy later.

Take care.

marie

 

Posted 7/14/2009 2:52 PM (GMT 0)

Marie,

Hello, Kitt here and I am just dropping in to give you tons of good vibes this morning.  I hope your physician's appointment goes well.  Please do let us know how it turns out.

I am glad you have a hobby that you like and one that keeps you busy.  It always helps to have something we enjoy doing when we have a chronic disorder to deal with.

Health & Happiness,
Kitt

Posted 7/14/2009 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
 

Hi Kitt-

Thank you so much :)

Actually, it went quite well.

The dr seem pretty cool.

I got my result back for the 24PH thing.

In 24HR, I have 90 episodes.

Normal range acid is below 14, but I score a 40.

Dr. say I am sever - so he say surgery seem to be a better option.

I am going to make an appointment.

Scare? Yup! Nod Nod Crossing my finger and toes  :)

Take care.

Marie

Posted 7/15/2009 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Marie,
Sorry I didn't answer your questions sooner...Yes, I can eat absolutely anything I want, and have been able to do that for a couple months. I'm four months post-op. I have collected the URLs for the posts I put on this site after my surgery. I thought they might be helpful to you. I just posted them on another thread, but maybe it will help to have them all listed here.
You'll have to copy and paste the URL into your web browser...I don't know how to make live links on this site. (Kitt??? Can you help me?)
I've written a lot about my experience, and I hope the information answers some of your questions.
Take care, Marie!
Denise

Pre-op
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1392590

Days 1 and 2
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1400327

Day 3
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1401655

Day 4
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1402680

Day 5
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1403765

Day 6
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1404600

Days 9-13
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1411473

19 Days
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1417831

Nissen Surgery Failures…my thoughts
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1407854
Posted 7/15/2009 3:57 AM (GMT 0)
Marie - Well it sounds like your on your way into the wrapped club soon ;)

You will do just fine and once you experience no heartburn or burning in your throat etc.. you will be so happy.

I'm wishing you the very best and if there are any questions I can help you with just let me know.

Take care, Teala

Posted 7/15/2009 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi marie!!!!

How r u!! dont worrry we are all here for you. A while bak i told u that with the esophyx u wouldnt be a good candatate becuz your les valve. One of the requirements is not to have a defective valve so i new u wud be getting the surgery. dont be scared.If it werent for denise, bill and janice and kitt i wud be doomed. we r here for you.

Posted 7/16/2009 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bea, Teala and Denise,

Bea,
you are right. I spoke to my dr, he mention that esophyx is not as affective. He mention that Nissen is the most affective to go at this time. Bea, how are you doing by the way after surgery?

Teala, thank you for your kind wish. Just can't wait to be back to normal so I can spend more time outdoor - being a beachbump/disneyland/sightseeing/travel the world with my baby boy & girl.
Teala, what about you - how are you doing lately?

Denise, the links are very helpful. Thank you.
Just curiosity, does the nissen wrap last a life time or an average of 10year?
My dr. told me that 85-90% will last a life time, and 10-15% may need a redo down the road.
Denise, how are you by the way?

Can we eat any of this after surgery?
Pizza / hamburger / El pollo loco chicken.
I am hungry now, I am going to get some oakmeal for now.

Now, I am waiting for my insurance.
Take care all.
Thank you.
Marie
Posted 7/16/2009 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Marie,
You can eat all those things after surgery. You'll probably have to wait a while for some of them...you can practice taking small bites and chewing to a liquid. That's how I found out what I could eat post surgery. Anything you can chew up completely, is fine for you. You just have to eat slowly, and chew, chew, chew. The farther out from surgery you go, the more you can eat, and the less you have to worry about tiny bites...you still have to be careful to eat slower and chew completely.
You'll do just fine!
Good luck with the insurance!
Denise
Posted 7/16/2009 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Marie-
I second that you can eat all of that. You will just have to go slow and add things gradually. I am pretty much eating anything I did 3 years ago. Just smaller portions of course.
I was told by 3 different surgeon that this lasts "on average " 10 years. I think they say that as a generic time frame though. I have talked with people who have gone almost 20 years with no issues. And then there is me with issues right away and a redo less than 3 years. I have also talked to one person locally who has had 3 done. The first one lasted about 6 months and let loose completely. The next one lasted just over 8 years, But he had to have that one dilated a few times and thinks that is why it failed early. The last one was done about 4 years ago and is doing really well so far. He told me the last one was done "loose" by feel like mine. He thinks the first 2 were measured somehow like with a bougie but he wasn't certain about that. He is in his early 50s.
I hope you are able to get this soon and get back to normal living again. It is amazing how much you have to "adjust" your life because of this dang disease. Keep us updated what is going on.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 7/16/2009 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bill,
How are you been?
It is good to hear that you are doing well and eating much better.
I saw a Dr. at USC. He told me that they will do a full wrap. I ask the dr. how they know how tie to do the wrap. He told me that they will be using a sizer or something. I guess it is something similar to the bougie. He also say partial wrap will still allow acid to come thru. So it seem like a full wrap for me.

Have a good nite.
Thank.
Marie
Posted 7/29/2009 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Everyone,

Long time no chat. I read through the posts following my last one and realized I wasn't getting notifications after someone posted to this thread. Not sure why but anyway....

Update. I am at about 7 months out on my wrap. I continued to feel well up until about 2 weeks ago. I was in Mexico for a week, came home and had my usual Montezuma's revenge about a week to the day after I returned. Just lower intestinal stuff ( thankfully ) that cleared, but I have this residual stomach roller coaster that won't let up. It feels very much like my post-op stomach when nothing would settle, gurgling all the time, lots of gas and general discomfort. I feel like I'm going backward for the last 2 weeks.

I started to worry after all the exercising and core work I have done with a trainer that I have damaged something. I was told to go back to regular exercise months ago, so I didn't really worry. All my follow-ups with Dr. Lipham were great and I haven't seen him for about 3-4 months.

Any input out there? I'm probably overreacting, but I was doing so well that I thought it would all be easy. I'd love to hear from others about exercising and getting back to regular schedules as well as this type of regression with the stomach stuff.

I appreciate all your insights....if you think this may be something else, then please let me know.

Thanks all !

Chris
Posted 7/30/2009 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys,

 I am doin great other then the rumble in the jungle my stomach rumbles like thunder?? Guess its the pepsi

b

Posted 7/30/2009 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Chris,
How are you?

You mention something about "general discomfort". Is that because of too much gas build up in stomach?
Can you take something to remove the gas in the system? I mean have it goes out ther other end so you don't feel it trap inside the stomach.... And feel better maybe?
I haven't had the surgery. I spoke to Dr. Lipham a few weeks ago regarding to surgery, etc.
I remember he mention something about one will experience gas after nissen. For relief, he mention that some patient took beano and gas-x for relief. He mention that gas is not life-threaten. Chris, does beano or gas-x help you with the gas though?

Dr. Lipahm gives me the greenlight to go forward with the surgery - I am still working things out...
Hope everything goes well.
Take care.
Thanks
Marie
Posted 7/30/2009 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Bea,
How are you doing?
Sound like you are having a blast :)
You seem to improve remarkably. That is so kool.
Hey Bea, do you have gas buildup too?

Take care.
Marie
Posted 7/31/2009 4:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Marie,

Doing OK here, thanks for asking. I think it's gas to a degree...not sure what else it may be. I had these symptom right after the surgery for a couple of months, but then went pretty much back to normal. Now I have them again at 7 months after surgery...not sure what has changed.

I do take Beano and gas reducing drugs again now that I am having problems.....just not sure why I am going backward. They do help to a degree...not always tho. Dr. Lipham is a great surgeon, I hope you have smooth operation if you go ahead with your Nissen.

Thanks for your reply and contact me if you have any questions.

Chris
Posted 7/31/2009 6:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys

Marie in answer to your question, I have enuff gas in me to get Osama bin laden in one shot!!! lol  Thats my issue the gas, the rumbling is like rolling thunder but it desnt hurt jst discmfort waitin for it to come out.

Bea

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