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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 6/25/2011 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
Have been suffering with reflux for long time now and putting off having op. Have hiatus hernia as well as reflux. The cough has been driving me crazy along with the constant nausea, throwing up and burns on the inside of my lips and cheeks. Barium swallow also revealed I have mild swallowing problems, something I have to say have been to docs with on and off for years. Have been unable to to take any medication given for this.

Medication for reflux changed from 300mg ranitidine morning and night to 40mg Nexium. None of this has stopped the reflux and have taken the plunge and am now on the waiting list. They are going to fix heria and do a partial wrap. Pre op on 4 August. I am concerned about the op but think am more concerned about the recovery and not being able to eat properly for some time. I don't eat a lot but do enjoy nice tasty food! On top of this fell down the stairs at home more than three months ago and have damaged nerve/muscle in lower back so the lack of mobility is not going to help that.

I am not in the least bit overweight and although a few pounds lost won't go astray don't want to lose too much. I also don't have a very understanding direct boss and all she wants to know is now long I will be off as no one actually can cover my job.

So glad to have found this forum it has been so informative but I am sorry for the rant on my first post.
Eileen
Posted 6/25/2011 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Eileen,

Welcome to Healing Well! I'm glad you've found us! I also discovered this forum as I was getting ready to have the surgery. It helped me have the courage to go forward, and provided me with lots of very important tips to make my recovery easier.

The main thing is to be sure that your surgeon is a highly qualified Nissen surgeon who has done hundreds, if not thousands of these surgeries. A minimum of around 300 seem to be the break even point. There are many fabulous surgeons who just don't have enough experience in this particular procedure yet, and you don't want someone practicing on you! I remember telling my surgeon that his resident could help, but I wanted HIM doing the actual procedure. I'm a teacher, and know that learning is important, but sorry...not on me! Not with this tricky procedure!

A partial wrap is the best thing for someone with swallowing issues. I had a full wrap, but Joy, another regular member, had the partial, and has had great luck with it.

I also didn't have a lot of weight to lose, but didn't mind losing some! I actually lost 14 pounds after the surgery, but unfortunately, have gained them back! Never fear...your eating will improve gradually over the first months, and you'll be gaining that initial weight back without a problem.

The eating issue depends on your doctor. Mine had a very liberal eating policy, and placed the majority of the responsibility for making good eating choices on his patients. I was eating liquids my one day in the hospital, soft foods when I went home, and "anything that could be chewed to a liquid" after I saw my surgeon on Day 6. I practiced taking small bites and chewing things to a liquid before my surgery, so I had an idea of what I could eat before I started.

For me (a fellow food-lover) it was much more pleasant to eat tiny bites and chew things to a liquid, rather than allowing the blender to have all the fun! It just felt more like eating to me, and opened up a wider range of foods.

Keep in mind that in the beginning your stomach can't hold much at all. You fill up after probably a quarter of a cup of food. You won't be eating "normally" for quite some time, so don't think you're going to be eating like you did pre-surgery right away. Your newly formed wrap (AKA the top/fundus of your stomach) needs to settle into its new job and be fully healed before that happens.

Again, welcome!
Glad you've joined our group. You'll soon be a member of our officlal Wrapped Club!
Take care,
Denise
Posted 6/25/2011 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Eileen

Welcome to HealingWell - I look forward to knowing you better.  Denise gave you great input.

Keep talking to us and post anytime.  We are here to support and share with you.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 6/25/2011 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Denise and Kitt for your very warm welcome.


Denise - I am in the UK and it is not easy to find out how many ops surgeons have done. When you go to the clinics here normally be seen by one of the surgeons registrars although the actual surgeons will have been reviewing the case notes. I have to say that every time I have been to the clinic I have been seen by different registrars althought the last one I have seen has to have been the most patient and informative of the lot.

That really is a good idea starting to learn to take smaller bites and chew my food a lot more. That is something that I am bad at even though you tell the children when they are smaller that they must chew properly! The other problem I can anticipate is that I do not like and can't really tolerate milk products, don't drink tea. usually only drink icy cold water, which I realise wil be a no-no for some time and diluted orange squash with the occasional diet pepsi, again realise will be a definite no-no for some time :(

Although pre-op booked for 4 Augut do not have acutual date for op as yet but can only presume that it will be very shortly after that. Have been told they do them on Fridays and keep you in over the weekend and then send home on the Monday.

Regards
Eileen
Posted 6/25/2011 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I'm new to this forum but suffer from GERD as we can all identify with that. Has anyone had the ESOPHYX TIF procedure? I'm scheduled to have it done 6/30 and from what I've read I can count on one hand the people who have had a SEMI possitive experience. The other surgeries are not an option for me because they are permanent and the TIF is supposedly able to be revised or reversed. I have a motility problem and with the other surgeries I cannot have my LES too tight. Thus a 180 degree will be done. Also I have Barrett's and that will be addressed sometime after the ESOPHYX TIF. My doctor will do an esophagael ablation (HALO) to hopefully remove the precancerous cells. I'm on omeprazole (since 11/2010) and have had to increase dosage and add pepcid and STILL these meds have done nothing to improve my symptoms. In fact, over these last couple of months they have worsened. I now have constant burning in my throat, my gums and lips feel like they are on fire. I was told by my doctor my case is severe and that my options are limited. He does not like to keep people on meds for long periods of time especially when they are considered to be young (49). I can't risk having bone fractures and don't know what else to do. I did the food elimiting thing....and still have symptoms. So surgery is all I have left as an option. So, my question is....IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE THAT HAS HAD THE TIF PROCEDURE AND WHAT WERE YOUR EXPERIENCES AND RESULTS? Thanks so much.
Posted 6/26/2011 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Calilady,
Welcome to Healing Well! I suggest that you start a new thread on the main page of the forum www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45. That way you can put a title on your thread and it will be easier for others to find you.

Best of luck with your upcoming procedure! I know others have posted on the forum who have had or are having the TIF procedure.
Take care,
Denise
Posted 6/26/2011 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Eileen,

I know there are others here who've had surgery in the UK (I think Gritty is one of them). Hopefully they'll be by to share their experience. You could start a new thread with a reference to the fact that you're having surgery in the UK, and asking for anyone who can share their experience in the NHS. Just a thought!

You're right...icy cold water will have to wait until you're fully healed...it'll cause spasms until then.

Again, I'm glad you've joined us! As any questions you might have as you prepare for the surgery and afterward. We're here to share our own experiences and provide support!

Best wishes,
Denise
Posted 6/26/2011 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Eileen-
Don't worry about losing weight. I didn't lose any because I ate a tiny amount every 2 hours. Just stock up on clear liquids like broth and gelatin, milk supplement products like Boost High Protein if that's available, and strained soups. Cream of Rice cereal is also a good one for a little later when you start to add texture. You won't want to shop for a couple of weeks.

If you change your diet habits right now it will be easier later. I ate all the bad stuff before and now don't. A couple of months on good food is enough to teach you that it really does taste better. Forget sodas, learn to like tea or decaf coffee with sugar and milk.

If milk doesn't agree with you try to see right now if you have a lactose problem or if you don't tolerate the milk proteins. If you can take lactose-free milk, that answers the question. You have to get nutrition somewhere. Adding Whey, a milk protein, is helpful.
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