Nissen 2 pre-op appt

I think something finally worked because my reflux isn't as bad anymore. My appetite has finally come back after 2 years. I've been able to eat normal size meals for a few days now. Had lasagna a few days ago and pizza 2 hours ago and I feel ok so far. I still get my really bad bouts of nausea some nights which seem to be more stress related (I hope). Not sure if my stomach is digesting faster but I'm eating all day long! I do get full sometimes but usually hunger an hour or 2 later. I'm still taking Nexium twice a day and not sure if I should start weaning off of that yet. Had 5oz of ice cream last night, was good but the after effect wasn't since I'm somewhat lactose intolerant. I can have soda and do get bloated later in the day depending on what kind I have. I can eat anything without it getting stuck. Had chocolate too! Oh how I've missed it! So that's my update so far. Hope everyone had a happy 4th!

I found a great way to get my soda and be safe from gas!
I bought an ice shaver and some root beer flavoring. It gives me that cold root beer flavor I love and no gas! :)

Joy

What's the EGD for? I haven't had one except for pre-op when they were putting in manometry tube and during the op itself.

You're able to eat lots more than I am, and I'm 8 1/2 months out.

I was told I could try going of Nexium at 2 weeks, was only taking once a day then.

Plus...you don't want an EGD unless it's really necessary, because there's always the possibility of moving something that could cause you problems. I've got a few little quirky issues, but as long as I can manage with them, my GI doc doesn't want to mess with my wrap by doing an endoscospy. Now if things got worse, it would be indicated, but until then, he's keeping his hands off!
Glad to hear you're doing better! Enjoy eating!
Denise

Babygirl
How are you feeling these days? I hope better. I think I'm going through the same thing as you. I'm 4 1/2 weeks post op and I keep getting this nausea out of nowhere after I eat, regardless of what or if I don't eat for a while. I also have this lump in my throat after eating and sometimes gas, bloating and urgent stools. Which are either white or bright yellow (sorry, gross). Everybody's saying it will pass, but I'm a nervous wreck at this point, only living in anticipation of this feeling to pass. Not much burning except at night sometimes, but I get a taste of what I ate for a while after the fact. Can anyone reassure me, please? I asked an email advise from several top authorities on this thing and they all said "wait for a couple of months". Am I going crazy? The worst of all symptoms is nausea and it is so because we were told not to vomit.

Hi Rummaan,
I know that 4 and a half weeks post op seems like a lot, but you're still at the very early stages of recovery. The regurge taste you have is probably a result of the fact that your wrap isn't letting all the food go down and you're probably getting fumes. Just a guess, but that squares with my experience.

Are you taking Maalox or something like that? That would explain the stool colors. Also, you're not eating like you normally do, so there will be changes.

Keep in mind that your upper GI tract was revised and it's a big deal for your stomach. It's likely that it was a bit sensitive to begin with, and having been pulled and wrapped around the esophagus, it's got a lot of adjusting to do. The nausea isn't fun, but certainly understandable after what your stomach went through. It's still healing and adjusting to the changes.

You can have something called "dumping" intermittently as you heal, and even afterward when you irritate your wrap. At those times you'll hear gurgling, and you'll likely have diarrhea, so don't be surprised. It's not a permanent thing.

You're not going to have a normal appetite for a while now. Don't worry...once you get back to eating normally in a few months, you'll gain the weight back. This isn't a permanent problem, so don't sweat it. Try to relax and let your recovery take the lead. If you're trying to rush it or force it to go in a certain direction, it'll only frustrate you and make you feel worse. If you can accept the condition you're in for now, and let your recovery have its way, it'll be so much easier for you.

Take care, and try to relax into the process that is recovery. Your stomach has been through a lot, and the nausea is a temporary thing as it heals.
Hang in there and try to be as patient as you can.
We're here for you!
Denise

Went back to the dr yesterday since all of my symptoms came back and she is testing for a bacterial overgrowth in my small intestines and a lactose intolerance test. Has anyone had these done? I know I can't do most dairy but for whatever reason she still wants to do the test. She finally said she will look at other problems besides reflux finally! If it is a bacteria overgrowth she said simple antibiotics will take care of it. if that's the case, I would not have needed two nissens!

Hi Babygirl,
It's always best to thoroughly explore all possibilities before going forward with revision surgery. It's definitely a last resort!

I have an appointment with a surgeon the beginning of November to do some testing and see if a redo is the right thing for me. My problems are small regarding reflux, but they lead to big problems in my lungs. I'd definitely live with the issues if my lungs weren't effected.

Good luck with your testing.
Denise

Can't blame you, Michelle! Hopefully you'll find an answer without the need for a redo. I'm headed to see a surgeon on November 9th. I figured I'd go to the source to get an opinion. This guy is well respected and is "the guy who does all the Nissens in the area". We're living in a new city, so I'm feeling my way around.

I would happily live with the tiny bit of reflux I'm getting post Nissen, but my lungs aren't happy living with it. They're starting to react, hence I'm being pretty proactive and aggressive in getting to the bottom of the cause. We shall see!

Good luck getting answers and a resolution to your problems!
Denise