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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 1/29/2012 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
Just getting the jitters before the surgery date comes....

Are there any foods you guys recommend me stock up on?

Soups, broths, yogurts, ensure, muscle milk, eggs, cream of wheat, milk....

Anything else?

Were you guys able to get the incisions wet? I'm sure bending will be an issue for a while correct? I wonder do I put a bandage over the sites or just leave them exposed, try not to wear a shirt as much as possible to dry it out?

Thanks guys.
Posted 1/29/2012 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there,

I really liked this thread by Lexi which really covered many of the questions you have.  I think you will find all your looking for turn

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2307486

Just click on the link, Max and try not to overthink as you have a ton of knowledge now so don't let yourself start getting caught up in the "what if?" thinking.  One day at a time.

Good Luck,

Kitt

Posted 1/29/2012 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kitt I will take a look at the link.
Posted 1/29/2012 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Max-

Most likely you will have small bandages over the incision and will be able to take showers, but no baths. Bending over will be sore for a while, so listen to your body. Try to go easy on the stomach muscles for a while until they heal up.
As for foods, I was able to eat soft foods during the first week, but sometimes just felt like eating some pudding or jello. I had very good luck with oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat. Soups also, I liked the cream type soups better. You can water them down as much as you need to. I could also eat chicken noodle soup, just chew the noodles and such really well. Don't push yourself with trying to eat too much at one time.
also on the incisions they always put that plastic covering or what ever it is on mine with gauze under it until I saw my surgeon for a follow up. Mine had the stitches on the inside and the medical glue on the outside. That was really nice and easy to care for. Of course my last one was totally different since it was an open surgery. I had like 40 staples and a long bandage.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 1/29/2012 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Bill.
Posted 1/29/2012 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
You might want to get cereal that can be mushed up - dont know what country your in but I used Weatabix and Rice Crispies (UK) if that means anything to you.

Also Dont forget Angel Delight and stay away from ice cream unless you want heartburn!
Posted 1/30/2012 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
RefluxSuxs,

Thanks. I'm from the US. I don't know what Weatabix is.....but I do know Rice Crispies. I'll probably eat a lot of cream of wheat...that should be fine right.

Not sure what Angel Delight is.....but no ice cream :( I was hoping to drink some milk shakes during this process. But thanks for the tips.
Posted 1/30/2012 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys,

Why no ice cream? Is it the fact that it's dairy? Or just the fact that it's cold?

Just curious.

Thanks,

Liz
Posted 1/30/2012 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck Max I hope you got a bit of info from one of my threads it showed everything I went and bought at the store hope is was a bit helpful for you if you looked at it ? I hope you are doing ok don't worry your in good hands with your surgeon. I was really scared but I did well during surgrey. I will be sen ding healing prayers your way on feb 6th. I hope all goes well. Thanks Alexis :-)
Posted 1/30/2012 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Alexis!
Posted 2/2/2012 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Max I wish you all the best with your surgrey on monday I know you will do fine I am sending healing prayers your way. Good luck hun any questions you have after surgrey I will be here to answer anything or any helpful tips. Thank Alexis
Posted 2/2/2012 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Max,

Wishing you the best on Monday and I will be waiting to hear how you are doing. Work at doing something fun over the week-end !

I wish you peace,

Kitt

Posted 2/2/2012 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
I had stocked up on some good fresh blended soups which I really enjoyed. I am fortunate to be close to shops and actually opted to go for small walks to get the soups. Also I enjoyed a good cup of coffe and was actually encouraged to have 2 cups a day by the surgeon.

From day 4 I slowly began on soft foods with outmeal in the morning and an added pancake to celebrate victory :) In the evening i had a couple of meat balls with a couple of potatoes.

You will quite quickly feel full though so expect small meals.
Posted 2/2/2012 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys for all the tips.
Posted 2/3/2012 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
I don't have any direct experience with the surgery, but it seems like you could use something like a Baby Food Steamer / Food processor to help prepare healthy foods for after the surgery during the recovery period. We have one for our baby and it seems to work pretty well!
Posted 2/3/2012 6:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi: Im new here and just came across this forum. I am scheduled Thurs. for the Nissan procedure and also have a 5 cm hernia being repaired. I am 45 and over weight and have had gerd with barrets esophagus for over 6 years.

I too have the jitters eventhough I have a surgeon with an excellent reputation for this work and a great bedside manner. I'm scared about the restrictive diet and gas and possibly not being able to vomit. I take a lot of meds and am also wondering about how I'm going to be able to take them. I've been a soft drink aholic all my life and am just scared in general about the above things and the pain. I hope to be a source of information here as well as welcome any and all tips from people who have been or who are going through any stage of this. Thanks
Posted 2/3/2012 6:40 AM (GMT 0)
Also I am wondering can you drive and how soon after surgery? My husband will have to go back to work at some point.

If I made it through a full blown hipbone to hipbone hysterectomy, this should be easier right ?

I read that some people have had thus multiple times. Is this not permanent? Thanks.
Posted 2/3/2012 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
ljritchie-

Welcome to Healing well.

I am one of the multi nissen people, but my case is by no means normal. Quite far from normal. My first redo should have been doing great still today if my esophagus hadn't torn during an EGD about a year ago. To fix the tear the wrap took a severe beating. I got it redone in august and am doing great.
Yes the diet early on sux, but is a necessary evil to have a good recovery. Remember to have patients and go slow with your diet


Tale care,
Bill
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