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Recovering Nissen Fundoplication Part 1 of 2

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Posted 6/22/2011 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sandi,

I hate to break the news to you, but some of us just can't drink coffee much...even after a Nissen. I have given up coffee except for special occasions--with a nice dessert, or a good restaurant. Otherwise, I'm tea all the way. Do I wish I could drink coffee? Sure! However it's a fairly small sacrifice in the scheme of things. I wouldn't have been able to drink it if I hadn't had the surgery either. As Alcie said, thing that bother you before surgery will also continue to bother you afterward.

I have a reactive stomach, and when something bothers my stomach, it also bothers my wrap. (BTW...I'm two years post-Nissen) When I drink much coffee I tend to feel it for a couple of days, but hey...sometimes enjoying what you like is worth a little discomfort afterward. Tea, for some reason, is much more tolerable. I can drink as much as I like without consequence.

It's not fun being a tea-drinker in a restaurant, though...try to get a really hot cup, and try to get a refill! The world was made for coffee drinkers!

I have the same problem with wine, although I can drink beer. I follow the same rule...I'll drink it once in a while, but if I have too much I'll pay for it later. Worth it? Sure!

You sound like you're doing great in your recovery!
Just keep doing what you're doing.
Hope I didn't depress you with my coffee experience...maybe others will be by who drink it with abandon after they're healed. Coffee just doesn't work for me.
Take care,
Denise
Posted 6/23/2011 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the warning Denise,
I was afraid of that. I don't really understand this though. I never had a problem with coffee prior to surgery and haven't had any issues up until recently. Oh well, tea will have to do. I just don't enjoy tea the way I did coffee.
OH Girl you are so right!!!!!! Restaurants are terrible when it comes to service for a tea drinker. I found that out over the weekend...

You did not depress me with your coffee experience.. when it comes to my recovery, I may whine a bit, but I would do it all again. The pain and suffering I went through was something that I will do anything to keep from returning to.
I can and I will restructure my appetite and I will be all the better for it in the end..

Have a great evening and a better day tomorrow...
Sandi
Posted 6/23/2011 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sandi,

Maybe given a few more months of healing you'll do just fine with coffee. It had bothered me for a long time before surgery, and although I'd looked forward to resuming my coffee habits post surgery, I wasn't so lucky.

My guess is that your wrap is still in the healing stages, and coffee is very acidic. It's much stronger than tea, and the caffeine can cause its own problems. Once you're fully healed...hopefully you'll be leaving me in the dust. I'll be begging for a tea refill (why do they charge for an additional tea bag, when coffee grounds are used freely with all those refills???) and hoping to actually get some hot water, while you're having refill after refill of coffee!

You have a great attitude, and that will carry you far. In my humble opinion, it's one of the most important aspects of having a happy recovery and dealing with the quirky post-Nissen issues.

Take care, and happy healing!
Denise
Posted 6/24/2011 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
Denise,
Thanks for your words and wit... I am on tea for now and I guess that isn't so bad. I too have a serious question as to why tea drinkers cannot be given service the same way that coffee drinkers are. I am tempted in just one week to always carry tea bags with me and ask for a coffee pot of hot water. I have had the experience (years ago) of asking for another tea bag and the waitress said 'sure be right back' and we paid the bill and she remembered my tea bag... ;-)
I did a no-no today :-( .. we had birthday feed and graze all day at work.. I ate 1/2 of a half of a biscuit with a spoon full of gravy and I had to take 1/2 an anti-nausea pill I got so sick (1/2 because I didn't want to go to sleep at work... won't do that again for a good while. I was ok with a spoon full of peach/apple cobbler earlier, but the biscuit did me in.. well I will keep trying a step at a time. 12 weeks tomorrow.
Have a wonderful evening and look forward to a blessed weekend full of family and friends..
Sandi
Posted 6/24/2011 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sandi,

Twelve weeks, three months...not that long post-op. We heal so quickly on the outside that we forget all that was done on the inside! Just keep listening to your body...you'll continue to heal. Remember, it takes 6 months for the majority of the healing to take place, and a full year for the rest! Honestly I continued to experience healing after the first year...did I imagine it? Maybe...but my stomach became more accustomed to its new role as substitute LES!

Do you have Zofran for nausea? That doesn't make you sleepy. I remember people who said they took Zofran when they wanted to stay awake and Phenegran when they wanted to go to sleep...I've never taken Phenegran...my second anti nausea med was Compazine suppositories, and they work really well. When I had a stomach bug they kept me from vomiting so well that at four hours on the dot I was in the bathroom unless I stayed ahead of it with meds.

Enjoy tomorrow! TGIF! Actually, my philosophy is more TGIT...Thank Goodness it's Today! Let's not wish our lives away!
Take care,
Denise
Posted 6/25/2011 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Denise
Thanks for reminding me that I am maybe 1/4 of the way through healing... I tend to be impatient and I refuse to remember until I have done something stupid. Even though I have a patient outlook, sometimes I forget myself. I do not have Zofran, I actually had never heard of it until I got on here. I do not usually have to do the nausea meds, but I let my self eat something I shouldn't have at work. I did well on the 1/2 of a pill for it. Not too sleepy at all. But next time I go into my PCP I will ask him about the Zofran and compazine (the last time I got sick was a year and 1/2 ago and it was food poisoning, mild case, and it was mind numbing how sick I got.) I do not want to go through that again.
Thanks for the advice and conversation.
Have a great weekend
Sandi
Posted 6/25/2011 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sandi,

It's a pleasure chatting. You definitely want to have plenty of anti-nausea meds on hand. I always take them with me...one time I started feeling sick, but not nauseous. Suddenly, without warning, I threw up. I was very surprised that I actually could, because anyone who is wrapped may not be able to vomit successfully. That said, I still want to avoid vomiting at all cost, as it's very hard on a wrap. Hence, the anti-nausea drugs in my purse!

Pleasant talk, don't you think? Always interesting at the GERD/Heartburn forum!
Have a good night,
Denise
Posted 6/27/2011 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Friends
This is the only place I actually do not feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about "gas" or "vomiting" or "diarrhea" We are among family here....
I have had a bit of a dilemma the past 2 days, I have been good, ate what I knew would not hurt me and yesterday I ended the day taking an anti-nausea pill. I have no clue what brought it on but I was so sick, I felt like I had eaten bread, but I didn't. I had some shredded ham and noodle casserole. I have had this before with no problem. I had terrible nausea before church this am and I dealt with it through services, I prayed for the nausea to go away and by the time services were over it had. I have felt pretty good since then. I do not know what triggered this event but I do hope it doesn't happen again. Thank goodness for the meds we talked about in the earlier posts.
I am eating bland today and more liquid than yesterday. I hope it works.. don't like this yucky feeling.... but charge on and keep the faith.. it has gotten better already and it will be even better as time goes on.
Time to get ready for MONDAY...
have a great evening everyone
Sandi
Posted 6/27/2011 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Might of been a passing bug. Thank goodness for antinausea pills!
I had a round of it Friday myself. I started coughing from my asthma and felt very nauseous. I immediately popped one of my pills and it calmed down.
Posted 6/28/2011 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
HI I had the nissen on april 1st this year, but now I am experience pain in my chest like fire, it is very annoying I am very sad for these has anyone had this kind of problem is it normal
HELP ME confused
Posted 6/29/2011 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Jorgito,
I saw that you have posted on another site also. I have not had the issue of fire in the chest... fortunately my worst issues have been caused by my impatience. Getting ahead of my self in the diet area. I hope you find some help for your problem and it gets resolved....

Joy
thanks for your post, I seem to forget that I am still susceptible to a normal 'bug'. I was nauseous when I got up for work this am. I just kept lying down for like 5 min at a time until I felt human again.. I was on time for work but later than the time I normally get there. I ate a bit lighter through the day, by the time I came home I was good. I am almost 13 weeks and I had meatloaf for supper with fresh squash(boiled) and fried potatoes. No issues yet.. hope that holds.. Life is good, Thank Goodness for the Nissen Fundo.... I have my life back...
Have a great evening...
Sandi
Posted 6/29/2011 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sandi,

I'm glad you're feeling better! Eleven weeks post-op isn't all that long, and it sounds as if you're making excellent progress. As others have said, just listen to you tummy and follow it's directions!

Have a great day,
Denise
Posted 7/1/2011 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Denise..
April 1st seems so far away now.. that was the day of my surgery. I will not forget that since it was April Fools Day.. I definitely was not fooled that day.. best thing I ever did..
I am really whining now.. I tried some toast (1/2 a slice) again today and within about 15 minutes I was nauseous. I drank a lot of water and hot tea and I finally felt human again.. I guess it is going to be a long road before I get to add bread into my diet again.. oh well.. I have lost a lot of weight that I admit that I needed to lose. Bread was a big contributor to the weight.. I can do without it... I can... can't eat chips either.. same thing as the bread.. oh well.. maybe I can live out my life eating healthy .. :-)
Looking forward to tomorrow.. last day before a 3 day weekend.. Happy sleeping everyone, and thanks for listening to me gripe...
Sandi
Posted 7/1/2011 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sandi,

Trust me...when you're recovered it'll be very easy to get back into the same old habits. I remember someone who'd had the surgery two years earlier, and she talked about eating bagels...imagine it! Bagels! I never thought I'd ever be able to eat bagels again. Guess what? I eat bagels now! Not that often, but I don't have trouble with them.

I'm also a bread lover...wish I wasn't!

It takes time, but you'll be eating normally when you are fully healed. You'll want to eat a big slower and chew a bit better than pre surgery, but you'll be doing just fine.

I was hoping that my stomach would always be smaller and keep my weight down, but no such luck. So...if you want to keep off whatever you have lost post-surgery, be very careful!

Hang in there! Things will get better...
Denise
Posted 7/2/2011 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I am 56 and just had the fundoplication surgery on Tuesday. I am so thankful for reading through this forum. I accidently ate too much (was actually feeling good on day 3 and was so excited to taste different baby food tastes!) and boy, did I suffer last night. I felt food going everywhere - up my throat, but no vomiting. Feel much less full today - but will try not to make that mistake again -- felt pretty silly about eating too much too quickly. Has anyone made this mistake early on as well? I am just hoping this surgery is going to work - I have been living with GERD for over 10 years...
Posted 7/3/2011 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the Wrapped Club, newtummy!

Yes, I believe almost everyone here has tempted fate and overdid it during the early days. (Me included)

You'll be fine, just be careful not to do it again or you'll suffer again. ;)

Make sure to start your own thread and introduce yourself.
Posted 7/3/2011 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the wrapped club NewTummy,

Please watch your diet.. I can tell you that eating something that is too much for your stomach to handle, you will know it for sure. We have all done it at one time or another and paid for it. I was a big chicken when it came to my diet and I stayed on soft and semi-soft food for longer than I had to. But it didn't hurt me and I felt better than if I had pushed it.. We all have to determine what we can deal with. (actually our body determines that for us) Just listen to your body and it will let you know what to do.
As Joy mentioned you should start your own thread and keep us informed as to how your recovery is going.. I used this forum for all of my "silly" questions after my surgery. Everyone made me feel so much better.
rest, relax and take it easy.. then do it some more...

Denise
I do hope that I can keep the weight off, I feel better without it. If the problem I am having with bread continues I shouldn't have a problem keeping it off, I can't even eat toast anymore, it makes me nauseous. I do miss it some. But I am going to back up some this week and eat some softer foods and try to keep this nausea at bay. I have given up coffee after several weeks of no problems. Have you ever heard of this happening that you go backwards after a good start? I am not going to get spooked about this.. I am firm in believing that this is all a part of my healing process.. I still have had no reflux and I am experiencing no issues that I had before the surgery, so life is good.
I hope everyone here has a safe Holiday...
Sandi
Posted 7/4/2011 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Sandi and all the others
I'm very thankful for having found this thread. I am having the Nissen surgery on Aug 1. I have a paraesophageal hernia with about half my stomach pushed up into my chest cavity and slightly twisted. I experience a lot of pain, sometimes lasting for hours, after eating more than just a small portion, since stomach expansion is inhibitied. I have had GERD and a hiatal hernia for over 10 years, and a narrowed esophogus, which has had to be dilated every year or two. I have been on Omeprazole (Prilosec) for years, although unlike most with GERD, I have not really suffered any sigificant heartburn type symptoms. After reading the posts, I am exteremly concerned about post operative recovery now. The surgeon, who has done a lot of these, told me about three weeks of soft food diet and that I would likely experience bloating and extra flatulence since I won't be able to burp. I have a lot more questions after reading these posts. I walk 45 minutes a day, how soon will I be able to resume this? Do soft foods include things like pudding or yogurt, ice cream? Some have said that dairy products didn't sit well with them. Should I start my own thread? Will anyone read it and respond? Thanks
Gregg
Posted 7/4/2011 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome BigTee,
Yes you do need a new thread so you don't get lost in here.

You will experience some flatulance and bloating at first, but it will fade. I was burping from day one.
You'll feel like walking around week two, but it will be slow at first.
You'll be on liquids for two weeks then move on to soft foods.

One of our posters here, Alcie, has had the same surgery you'll be having. She can tell you all about it.
Posted 7/6/2011 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Friends
I am happy to say my weekend was very good. I did not have any issues at all. I fixed my husband a NY strip for dinner yesterday and I fixed me a broiled hamburger.. I did fix homemade potato salad and I put finely diced onions and pickles in it. I ate it and I had no problems.. I am so happy.. I also had some fresh strawberries with no ill affects. I can deal with this... steak was never a great thing for me anyway... I ate some shrimp cocktail too and it didn't bother me at all.. I have to keep the portions very small still.. but that is ok with me..
I am looking forward to vacation the 1st of September.. the only problem I will have is that I am going home to Kentucky and the pizza parlors there have a sandwich there called a steak(chopped) hoagie.. I hope I can get one on a roll like it supposed to be.. not just the meat and fillers.. no roll... I can only wish... oh and then back home there are chili dogs.. I have to be able to eat coney's... see this is what being away from your home place causes... you want the foods you used to eat all the time.. OH well I will just eat something else like a 4way... chili, spaghetti, onions and cheese... yummmmm...
Have a great evening...
Sandi
Posted 7/6/2011 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear you had a good holiday, Sandi! turn
Posted 7/6/2011 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
I am 9 days post laproscopic fundoplication. I noticed some pain in the incision above my belly button. Above the incision is a thick ridge that hurts when I touch it - even very lightly. Has any one else had this problem?
Posted 7/6/2011 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
That's the hole that they put the camera and gas in. It got a lot of abuse there. If it's still tender after a couple of more days then tell your doctor.
Posted 7/7/2011 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Friends

Getting ready for the weekend and 14 weeks post-op. This week has been really good,, I have found that flavorful condiments (like Smoky Mesquite A-1) do not hurt me anymore... YEAH!!!! I have been thinking over all that has gone by since April 1. I can still honestly say that I am so much better off than before. I do have to deal with nausea occasionally(from eating the wrong thing) and over full feeling(from eating too much[more than 6-8ozs]) and not being able to drink coffee.. but I do not have to deal with reflux, jumping up out of a dead sleep to throw up, coughing to the irritation of others and not realizing it... and I could go on and on..
The small sacrifices I have to make at this point are so minor compared to what I have gained.... eventually I hope to be able to drink coffee again and eat toast(because I love soft boiled eggs and toast). For now I am thankful for the blessings I have.
One of my blessings is this forum... I would never have made it through week 3 without you....
Have a great night
Sandi
Posted 7/8/2011 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Can't wait to be where you are at!! Congrats!

*Sammi*
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