Burping after nissen

Some post-op Nissen patients can burp. Be happy about that! 4 weeks is still the very beginning of healing. Things may change for 4 months or more.

Did you get a barium swallow at 2 weeks? That's pretty standard. They'll do another at a year. It shows if the wrap is in place, swallowing is taking place normally, if there is reflux.

It's early to get scared. You are still in the swelling stage. Burping is really a blessing. Many of us can't and suffer gas pains.

If you get reflux the doc may put you back on Nexium for a while. A lot of us do that for quite a long time. There is never a guarantee that ALL the reflux has been cured. At this stage you can't really tell.

Do watch your diet! You should still be on "full" liquids. Don't push it!!! Small amounts of soft foods that don't stick on the way down may be OK. Look up post-op Nissen menus if you weren't given one.

Keep a log of your foods and drinks, medicines, times, and your reactions. Find out what agrees with your new system. A lot of people have trouble with foods they tolerated before (especially beef) and can eat things they couldn't (maybe later). Don't let yourself get constipated. Meds do that! You don't want any pressure on that brand new wrap.

Hi Ekirch,

I agree with Alcie and Spike. Four weeks is very early in your recovery, and any worrying symptoms you might be having are expected at this point.

I also could burp post surgery. I was told I wouldn't be able to by my surgeon, but could immediately in the hospital. I asked another surgeon in the practice who said that some people can indeed burp after surgery. He said that it's possible for the stomach to let out a little air without letting out any other stomach contents.

I guess I don't really burp--I can't do it on demand. It's more like my stomach burps itself every once in a while. Be happy you can burp a little. It keeps you much more comfortable with less bloating.

I never had a post-surgical barium swallow either. That practice varies from doctor to doctor. about a year later, when I was worried I had done something to injure my wrap, I had one, which showed no reflux and no more hernia.

Try not to worry...I was told here it takes 6 months for most of the healing to occur, and a full year for the rest.

Take care,
Denise

I'm another burper 15 days post op although I can not burp nearly as easily as I could before. I'm actually glad I can still a little as others have said it does relieve a bit of the wind.