stomach pain and tightness around staples

Surfer-
It is very normal to have gas issues when eating. Especially right after the surgery. People with GERD tend to swallow more air because we swallow more due to the GERD. It takes a while to learn to swallow normally again and since things are swollen the air/gas isn't going to be able to get out. Have you tried anything like gasx? I wish I could help more with the staple issues. I didn't have staples with either one of my Nissens. The first was just stitches under the skin with steri strips on the skin and this time they used stitches under the skin and Dermabond to hold the top layer closed. Not sure why the surgeons would use staples unless you had an open Nissen. Is it all the incisions or just a certain one/s? The left side incision below your ribs will probably give you discomfort for a quite sometime. After my first one it was sore for about 8 months or so. This time it wasn't nearly as bad, but did bug me some.
You are at probably the worst part of the healing process. about a week after things really get swollen. I also used a heating pad on my belly to help with the pain. It helped me quite a lot. You will definitely hear some very strange noises from your stomach. Remember it has been completely rearranged. Your digestive system has to relearn everything right now. I did have staples for my lung surgery and remember at the 7 or 8 day mark I wanted them out, but I had to keep them in for 2 weeks minimum.
What have you been eating? Sometimes certain foods will trigger bloating/gas also. All in all it sounds like things are about normal for your recovery time.

Take care,
Bill

Surfer-
Denise said walking helped her a whole lot. That might do the trick for you too.

Take care,
Bill