back home from toupet fundoplication of 3-7 by mintpepper

I will start a new thread on my surgery experience (previous was fever 101, surgery scheduled for 2-29). Had the lap toupet fundoplication (270 degree wrap) with diaphragm repair (most of the stomach was in the chest) on March 7 about 11:30 a.m. I didn't get home until yesterday Mar.10 due to oxygen levels. Also couldn't pass gas or anything until I had a suppository on Mar.9. That took care of that!!

I liked the idea of the 3/4 (270) wrap for the repair. There seems to be fewer complications from it with as good results, so that is what my surgeon did. I had absolutely nothing by mouth for 2 days after. Then on the third day they took me in for a barium swallow test to make sure all looked ok and that nothing was leaking. I was afraid for what would happen if nothing went down, but it went fine-just two short swallows and it was done. They gave me all my meds by injection or dissolved in water and injected into the g-tube he had inserted in my stomach during surgery. How simple. The next morning I had some awful combination of very salty beef broth and a lemon italian ice that bloated me up and I was in pain until they came a released the pressure using the g-tube. That was very simple and now I am glad they put the tube in.

I am 68 (amost 69) and worried that my age might affect speed of recovery so we shall see how all this comes along. I have to use that plastic breathing contraption at least every hour and they hope that will resolve my oxygen level problems. I had a small pneumothorax that should resolve if I keep up with the breathing exercises. I plan to walk on the treadmill today for 10 min or so. I weighed about 151 going into surgery and this morning (5 days after) I weigh 146.6. I could stand to lose a few pounds but don't want to go much below 140. I have to have clear liquids but can advance to full liquids when I feel ready. I have thought long and hard about nutrition during this time- I bought juices (found a clear apple/carrot juice that isn't too bad) and bought some of the usual- high protein boost, carnation breakfast essentials, applesauce, pudding and lots of broth.

One thing I am going to try very soon is homemade egg drop soup. Boil a can of chicken broth, thicken slighty with corn starch dissolved in a little cool chicken broth, then stir in a beaten egg. I probably won't use any spices but you can use chives or green onion and other things to pick up taste and then probably strain it before adding the egg.. I make this fairly often anyway and that should be an easy way to get some good protein. Anyone else have any good food ideas?

I was sent home with Loritab and take as little as possible. about the only pain I have is sometimes when I breathe deep, and of course the 5 or 6 holes for the lap surgery. They all have staples which will be removed at my first appointment in about 10 days. The one that causes me trouble is on the left side and it is right in the fold of skin/fat that is created with I sit down or lean over at all. I also have a heck of a sore throat. All in all it is so true that each day brings improvement. I am just so glad to be home.
I appreciate any comments or advice.

Edit:  I added your name to your thread to make it easy for members to find.  :)

Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 3/11/2012 11:36:51 AM (GMT-6)

Have already lost 6-7 pounds. Managed to have half of a vanilla carnation essentials instant breakfast and that went over ok.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I was just recently diagnosed with acid and non-acid reflux and referred to a surgeon who I will see next month. It helps to read other people's experiences. Good luck with your recovery.

mintpepper-

I had the peg/pej tube for feeding when my esophagus tore. The removal was horrid. I too will not have another removed with out some type of sedation. Hopefully I never have to have one again.

Take care,
Bill

about 5 weeks post op now- still doing very well. Most days I can't tell I've had any surgery. Lately I have noticed that I don't have much energy and now have lost about 13-14 lbs. I don't have much appetite and now I'm trying to get more protein into the diet. I made some salmon quinoa patties last night that weren't too bad. I don't eat much meat anyway, but can eat most anything as long as I chew it well.( no bread-toast only and no raw veggies). I started taking one of my medications by capsule instead of liquid and it went down ok!!

I tapered off on my omeprazole and now take nothing. I seem to be doing fine so far without it (one week) so I guess I will just be a little careful about what I eat and take a tums if necessary. I made some mild chili the other day and used tomato sauce and a can of tomatoes and beans and was able to tolerate that too. I haven't tried any other spicy foods yet.

For those contemplating surgery- for me the worst part was the worry beforehand about not being able to eat etc. My experience has been so much better than I thought it would be (so far). Obviously everyone heals and reacts to procedures in different ways, but I have been fortunate to not have nausea or extreme gas. I am 68 and so far have healed nicely. I had the toupet fundoplication(270) so that may partially be why I have been able to swallow fairly easily and can burp when I need. All in all, it is good!!

Hello Mintpepper....I will meet with my surgeon tomorrow to schedule the toupet fondoplication. The diagnostic tests have been tough- had to have them twice as two different docs wanted the tests done on their computers. Thanks for your running dialog. I am a little nervous about it but feel better having read your comments. Thanks for sharing.

Hi mintpepper,

Thanks so much for checking back in and letting us know how you're doing.  So often people who post online have problems, and it can create the impression that everyone does.  It's heartening to people who are just recovering to hear your story.

Don't be a stranger!

Thanks again,

Denise