Nissen Fundo & Nexium????

I have a question. When the nissen fundoplication is completed I have read on many threads here that patients are still prescribed nexium or other PPI's. Why? If the valve is created and gas and vomit cannot get through why continue the medical therapy?
It looks like I'm candidate for this surgery and if I'm going to go through all of that I do not want to be taking anymore ppi's

Hi Tracks,
I use PPI's as a means to keep my very reactive stomach in check. When it starts reacting, the acid goes wild, and it can be very uncomfortable. As Joy said, some people have a loose wrap, which has many benefits (easy swallowing, allows gas to escape, etc.), but it can let some acid by at times.

Surgeons have to balance the tightness of the wrap...they need to wrap tight enough to keep the acid in the stomach, and loose enough to allow food to pass through without difficulty. It's a definite balancing act, and is an art, rather than a science.

As Joy said, even those who need to use PPI's to some extent, their quality of life has been so much improved, that their need for lower doses of PPI's are not considered a surgical failure. Obviously, everyone would prefer to be medication free, but that isn't always possible.

Hope all goes well for you, and that if you have the surgery, you will be one of the many who no longer need PPI's. People posting here are more likely to be those who've had some difficulties and are seeking out answers and support.
Best wishes!
Denise

Hi MN Chick,
The vomiting issue has been a worry for all of us. I was advised by forum members to ask my doctor for anti nausea meds and that I should have these meds with me at all times. I did take this advice seriously, and got two types of anti nausea drugs--Zofran, a tiny pill that melts in your mouth, and Compazine suppositories.

about 11 months post op, I found out that I could throw up. I'm a teacher and a particularly virulent stomach bug went through our school. It hit me suddenly, and I actually threw up. Since I didn't want to continue to throw up, as I was concerned about its effect on my wrap, I took anti nausea meds immediately. Four hours on the dot later, I threw up again. After taking the next batch of anti nausea drugs, I was able to stay ahead of the illness, and stopped throwing up.

There are people who are not able to throw up after the Nissen, and others who can. You won't know until it happens. I do know that the anti nausea meds are a must once you've had the surgery.

I understand your concerns. I spent four years dithering about whether or not I should go forward with the surgery. I had severe asthma caused by the reflux, and experienced many very bad physical problems as a result of all the steroids I needed to take to keep breathing.

The surgery was a godsend for me. My lungs improved dramatically, and I'm very glad I had the surgery. Because of the steroid usage, I had very fragile tissue. The surgeon added extra stitches, in hopes that they would make up for it. I had a lung infection going into surgery, and coughed severely during my recovery, until the infection cleared, and my reflux-free lungs healed. This situation may have undermined my repair. If I were to require another surgery, I would not hesitate to go forward with it. The results were dramatic, and my health improved greatly.

Good luck with your decision.
Take care,
Denise

Mine were increased flutulations and esophagual spasms if I overeat.

Joy