1 week post Nissen

Just wanted to share my experience so far. while everyone is different maybe this will be helpful to others. I was in the hospital for 2 nights. I did have a catheter after surgery which was taken out the next day. Actually that was wonderful as I didn't have to keep getting up to go to the bathroom. Ni big deal coming out or problems after. I started clear liquids about 4 hours after surgery and had no swallowing difficulties at all and I could burp. Uneventful hospital stay and then home. I probably had 4-5 pain pills in the first 2 days at home. None at all in the last 48 hours. I drove myself to Christmas shop today for about 3 hours. I am tired tonight and in a little more discomfort, but good to get out. Eating wise, still on full liquids with no probs. I feel like I could eat more solid food without problems but not pushing it. I was told I could eat anything pushed through a sieve. Today I ate a cup of Panera soup with a small biscuit which I blended to a thick liquid in the blender. it was fabulous! Tonight it will be a cup of French onion soup blended with a little French bead. I have had so little problems swallowing, I wonder if the wrap is tight enough. I have no hunger and get full quickly. Getting enough water is tough. I have to push myself to drink. I have lost about 8 lbs. I have plenty more to lose. I am still on Prilosec . So far so good. I would say if the surgery is in your future, relax. While it is no picnic, it is a small speed bump in my life and hopefully will benefit me greatly in the future. Hopefully

Hi IlliniFan,

Hooray!  Welcome to the Wrapped Club! Glad to hear things are going well.  Believe me, I had the same experience--burping on the first day and wondering if it was okay.  It is a huge benefit, believe me.  Relax and enjoy!

Don't forget about the fact that your wrap will become increasingly more swollen over the first two to three weeks.  As that happens, your swallowing is likely to get more difficult and even more uncomfortable for a while.  Once peak swelling its...for some it's the 14 day mark, but it varies...it'll start to subside again, and you're on your way.

Glad to hear you're finding tasty food options! 

Happy healing!

Denise

Hi Nicole,

Welcome to the Wrapped Club! Sorry it took so long to give you the big three cheers!  It's great to hear how well you're doing.  You're smart to keep your portions small...it can cause some real discomfort if you don't. You'll be eating those pepperoni pizzas before you know it.

I'll bet you're tired.  You're a trooper getting back to work so quickly!  Be sure to give yourself permission to nap at home.  You're still recovering from major surgery.  Keep sipping that water!   You'll want to stay hydrated. 

Keep us posted on your continued progress.  That cruise will be coming up before you know it!

Happy healing,

Denise

Doing great. Still get tired. Eating is going really well. Still mostly liquids. Did have crackers today, which I chewed to a liquid before eating. Today is post op day 9. My job today is to put polyurethane on a chair that my husband sanded and prepped for me. He elevated it, so I won't have to bend. How are you?

Well, it's true what they say that peak swelling at the wrap site occur about 14 days after surgery. Mine started today and keeps getting worse as the day progresses. It's not painful, but very uncomfortable, I came home from work early today because of it. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow.

Nicole

I work as a staff accountant at a company in my area. But I've been so busy trying to catch up with my work. And my boss stopped at my desk asking me how I was feeling and he told me to go home. Hmmm, well it's really hard to describe the feeling. For one, I can feel the swelling from the wrap in the back of my throat. Maybe a little hard to swallow. If you've read about the swelling, you will know when it happens. I was fine this morning but as the day went on it kept getting worse. It's so hard to describe.

Oh mashed potatoes, over cooked mac and cheese, applesauce, cottage cheese I think thats about it.

From what I've read the swelling is normal.  So you probably will have it too on or around day 14.  It's not painful, just uncomfortable.  At least that's how it is for me.