Hi Catlady,
I an convinced that the medical profession has dropped the ball regarding this surgery. I hear so many people here (not just you!) who seem to think that they'll be healed and ready to roll in a couple weeks post surgery.
It's not fair for patients to go forward with this surgery under the impression that the recovery will be easy. Yes, it's laproscopic, which make the outside healing a breeze, but inside, it's another matter!
I hate to be the one to break the news, but you're in for a LONG recovery. I was told by wise people here that it takes 6 months for most of the healing to occur, and a year for the complete healing. The first weeks are going to be rough. There's no getting around it. Anything can happen...all kinds of symptoms and pains. Difficulty swallowing. Reaction to spicy or acidic foods. Your insides are inflamed and damaged by surgical tools, stitches, and stretching. It's going to be a challenging recovery, but you will get through it to the other side, and you'll be glad you had the surgery.
I wish it was easier, but it's not. After your healing is done, you won't be back to your pre-GERD/teenage years condition. What has been done to us is a repair...a cobbled-up new version of an LES that wasn't working. It'll make things better, but there will always be quirks and differences that we have to accommodate. That's the reality. If you can accept that, you'll be much happier and more relaxed.
I hope this isn't too much of a "downer" for you! It's just that if you can just release your expectations, and follow your recovery, you'll do much better. You can't force it, you can't "expect" it to be better. It is as it is. It will take its own sweet time to heal. There's nothing you can do to hurry it. Just be patient, and let it lead you to recovery. If you can just accept that reality, things will be so much better.
By four months, I was on vacation and eating whatever I wanted. There is light at the end of this tunnel. Just try to relax and let it happen.
(((hugs)))
Denise