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Post Wrap: When can I...?

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Posted 9/6/2011 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all!

I noticed we all have questions on when we are able to do things post wrap. I figure we could have a thread focused on that.

Here are a few of my 'When Can I?' questions. I understand I could call the doctor's office up, but chances are I would get a better answer here with those who have made the jump forward...

1) When can I have my first cup of coffee?

2) When can I have a glass of wine? (wine tasting event next month and haven't replied because I just don't know.

3) When can I start doing sit-ups, run, push-ups? (Part of my job: Army)

Feel free to add questions to the thread and answer :)

-Emily

Posted 9/6/2011 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

I had my first coffee day after I got home, so day three.

Wine was ok after I finished the heavyweight painkillers that I was sent home with, so about a week. I actually tried one glass around week two, didnt fancy it and havent had one since, and am now three and half weeks on. That's mainly due to stomach cramps and tiredness, but everyone is different. Nothing would stop a glass though but i wouldnt feel able for more.

And I am in no hurry to do sit ups!!! I can eat chocolate though:-)

Kevin
Posted 9/6/2011 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
H Emily

Good thinking. Im sure it will be very helpful to many of us here.

I had my first cup of coffee on day three, while I was still in hospital. I say cup of coffee but really it was only half a cup. I still enjoy a 'cup' each day but have not yet managed to get right to the bottom of the cup before I start to feel full. I'm fine on all other liquids, can drink a whole cup but coffee fills me up fast for some reason, maybe I swallow to much air with it IDK.

Haven't tried alcohol yet but did have a few sips of coke the other day & that was ok.

Not sure about the push ups etc but I do walk each day about 5 kilometers which I am handling ok. Not in to big a hurry to push myself yet but........

"When can I return to the pool & start swimming".

I had an open nissen 10 weeks ago today.

Lynda
Posted 9/6/2011 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
I heard you need to wait about three months before doing anything streniuous.
Posted 9/7/2011 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Joy,

Years after fundoplication can we eat normal diet?
3times a day? I mean a full portion of food at 1 serve?
or we should eat 4-5 times a days forever?

Ahn

Posted 9/7/2011 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
I gave coffee a shot this morning after not having it for some time, I must say: not impressed. I'm sticking with tea :)

I'm not sure about swimming, but I'm guessing once wounds are healing soundly. I will ask at my next Dr visit.

4hn: I try my best to do small meals throughout the day. I have noticed since the surgery that I never finish a full meal if I go out to dinner or make dinner. 4-6 small meals throughout the day has always been said as being ideal.
Posted 9/7/2011 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi 4hn,

 

Yes, indeed, once you're healed you can go back to eating the way you once did.  I am sure there are a few outliers who have to change their eating habits permanently, but the majority of us will go back to our normal 3 meals a day.  The extra quick fullness is due to swelling of the stomach which tells the brain, "You're full."  As the swelling goes down, the abilitly eat larger quantities goes up.

Take care,

Denise turn

Posted 9/7/2011 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for this thread!! I just started one without reading this one and you have asked several questions that i also had. I guess after week two things get better?

How do you know when the swelling starts to go down?
Posted 9/11/2011 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Texas,

Two weeks is the peak of the swelling, it will take awhile longer for the swelling to officially go down. I am at week 5 post op and almost all of the way back to normal. The best way to tell where you are with the swelling is trial and error with food. You will know if something may be taking awhile to go down. This is where water or warm tea comes in handy to help the food on its merry way. I was warned of steak and raw fruits/veggies, so I still cook veggies down to a soft consistency and puree fruits. I miss my lunch salads! I'll wait another couple of weeks to try to see how it works out. Let us know if there are any other questions. This is a great website!
Posted 9/16/2011 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Emily,

I love your post idea.  I am 7 weeks and 1 day post op.  Coffee was tough for me.  Although I tried and tried, the first few weeks I was way too full after a couple of sips (it felt like I had eaten Thanksgiving dinner)  that probably included too much air as well.  At about week three I was able to almost finish my morning cup of decafe.  I tried regular coffee but it gives me heartburn.  My doctor insists it is not heartburn as the wrap creates a one-way system, he did however indicate that the coffee and/or food can sit in the esophogus while it is waiting to go down the wrap and that might create the same sensation as heartburn.  As for alcohol, I had my first drink (or two) two weeks ago, a good old fashioned dirty martini and I am happy to report there was no problem with that at all.  As for working out, I took a gentle workout at 3 week post-op - the precor machine.  Post-op week 5 I was at full steam on the spin bike and back to lifting weights, lighter than usual, but back in the routine.  I tried sit ups last week and had no problem.  I do pay careful attention to my body's response while working out because I am afraid to undo my wrap.  Good luck with your recovery.  I am feeling great now and thrilled to be off all medication, the first 3 weeks were the hardest, post swelling peaked at week 2.  Add new foods slowly and listen to your body's response.  If you can't tolerate something, you will know, I personally experienced chest pain caused by spasms in the esophogus and excessive saliva that lasted anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.   Before you know it you will be enjoying a crispy salad, a cup of coffee and even wine.  Unfortunately, I still can't eat bread, but don't even miss it (not yet anyway).  Best regards - Valerie 

Posted 9/16/2011 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
4hn, I'm eating normal meals now... Three times a day and I even throw in a few snacks. I was able to eat normal amounts around the fifth or sixth month (I can't remember exactly).
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