Nissen Fundoplication Post OP

I wanted to give a perspective of what it was like immediately following the NF surgery. I hope this will give some peace to some and maybe better prepare anyone that may experience the same things I did.

My surgery was almost 4 hours and when I woke in the recover area I was experiencing chest pains so they immediately ran an EKG and everything was fine with my heart, it was the air they pumped into me for the surgery.

I found that breathing was difficult and painful at first something to do with my diaphragm and things being repositioned, what I do know is the IV drugs were a relief and when they wore off the chest pain and breathing pain was difficult to manage so I kept them giving it to me until the air subsided.

As soon as I could (the next day) I got them to detach some tubes so I could do some walking, walking allowed the air to get out and gave me GREAT relief.

I insisted on the IV drugs because when they tried to give me pills it just didn’t give me the ability to take deep breaths and I read it was really important to practice deep breathing while recovering as it helps prevent the lungs from building up fluids that could result in pneumonia.

I was released at around noon the day after surgery and continued walking laps around the house and eventually around the block and took my medication (pain pills) as prescribed for about 4 days.

I stuck to doing everything they suggested on the diet plan and got creative with my blender, I have “over done it” a few times and learned that it’s better to eat much less, and stop 4 hours before bed.

I hope this helps someone; I consider my surgery a success and will update any changes.

Peace

Dan

Beleive it or not you won't want more, because your stomach is smaller for awhile. I ate every two hours about a 1/2 cup of liquid. This is only for two weeks during the swelling phase. then you can move on to baby food type foods.

How many weeks do you feel like you can't eat any food?

You can eat, just not a lot at a time.

How long do we have to eat a liquid diet?

about 2-3 weeks.

When will they usually let us go back to work?

I was back in two weeks, but I was on desk duty.

Do you really feel full just after a little bit of food?

Yes, during recovery your stomach is smaller from the remodeling and swelling.

Can we eat like the fruits that are in the baby food jars?

Yes, if it's soupy (during the first two weeks)

I am just making me sick to my stomach reading all the post on all the sites. I seen the video of what they do. 

Yes, too much information can be overwhelming and scary.

I'm hoping I get the laproscopic one instead of the open surgery.

Unless there is a problem you'll probably be done laproscopic. Five little one inch sized cuts is not bad at all.

I know I shouldn't be looking at the videos cause I am freaking myself out. How did you guys prepare for this? Then have to cook meals for the family and not being able to eat it. How do you that?

My family cooked for themselves and I ate out of my special cooler and drank my broth.

I am a major pop person. Can I have pop?

If you let it go flat, you can have all you want during the first two months. It's the bubbles that are bad for you. After two months you can try it regular. I drink it when I want to now. (19 months post-op)

How much weight do most people lose from this?

I lost 20 lbs but it came back with friends after I started eating normal again.

I am 40 yrs old and so scared.

I'm 43 and had my surgery when I was 41. I was scared too.