I had the TIF surgery on 8/25. I'm a 50-year-old male, and have been struggling with LPR for four years or so. H2 blockers no longer work, and I am intolerant of PPIs -- massive headaches. Nissen scares me, so the TIF seemed the best option. My condition is further complicated by eosinophilic esophagitis...and the symptoms can overlap.
The doctor didn't give me any special diet, just said to keep to soft foods for two weeks. I'm a vegetarian anyway, and don't eat chewy foods, so, I guess a regular diet to me is still TIF-friendly.
The first four weeks after surgery was great, and I was reflux-free. I was thrilled! Unfortunately, as the inflammation from the surgical site went down, my reflux returned. Concerned that the surgical site had failed, I had another endoscopy and 48-hour pH study in October. Everything looked fine, the Bravo study showed that my reflux episodes were significantly reduced, and my DeMeester score in the "normal" range. (DeMeester score in February was 21.8, now is 4.1.) But as other LPR sufferers have noted here in the forum, even a handful of episodes is too many. There were 28 <4pH spikes on day 2 of the test.
I proved that the acid has returned by taking Nexium starting last week...symptoms immediately lessened...but the headaches have returned. I'm back to sleeping on a wedge, don't eat or drink after 3pm, and Gaviscon before bed, but the protection from Gaviscon doesn't last through the night. I'm not overweight, and have never consumed any of the trigger foods.
Both my surgeon and current GI concede that I need to go to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, as they don't know how to help me. I've already seen a long list of ENTs and GIs, and am amazed by the lack of knowledge out there by medical professionals.
I was a professional singer, and was working on my first CD, before I lost the battle for my voice a year ago. I'm really discouraged, and fight depression each day. I thought I would be on the way to recovery by now, but instead have nothing to show for all the doctor visits and money I've spent.
My best wishes to others, and I hope that the surgery works for you.
-Bruce