TIF Scheduled

Hello!

I am new here and I am so glad to have found these forums! I have had terrible heartburn for about 8 years. Come to find out it is GERD.. I had an endoscopy 4 years ago and have been on 2 different PPIs over the last 4 years. I recently (September) had another endoscopy and Bravo/ph test. After receiving my results, my GI doctor said I was a candidate for the TIF procedure. I was referred to a general surgeon in my area and after a few weeks of going back and forth with my insurance I was approved. I am excited yet nervous about the surgery. I have never had to spend the night in the hospital and besides the endoscopy never had anesthesia.
I am more nervous about some of the post op things I have read rather than the actual surgery! I am scheduled to go in the day after Christmas. I am a teacher so I will not have to go back to work until January 7th. That should be enough time to recuperate, right? I also have a family vacation planned for the end of March and I am praying that I will be back to "normal" by then.. eating normally? Energy level back?
I have read on the internet that some people have had to do a clear liquid diet 5 days prior to the surgery. Is that accurate? I don't go in to my preop appointment until the beginning of December so I haven't heard that yet.
Thank you so much for your support and advice!

Welcome!! I had my TIF Oct 8th this year this being my very first repair surgery ever. I was on a normal diet till the night before when I was NPO after midnight. I cleared my bowls out by drinking 8 ounces of Aloe Vera Juice the afternoon before it worked well. I had no gas pains while in the hospital. Read my Thread as I am keeping a daily diary of my recovery after this TIF surgery the part you most fear.
Good Luck and keep us posted. We are here to support each other. We are all Gerdie Troopers together!!
Anne

Is the TIF or Nissen better? Depends on your reflux problems. The TIF is more natural than the Nissen, it will allow a normal level of reflux, belching and vomiting. Some people who have the Nissen have problems belching and vomiting. I don't know much about the LINX.
Sheldon