Weight loss after Nissen fundoplication?

Hi, i`m new to this site as well, I had my op on the 15th Sept, and i`ve already lost approx half a stone in just over a week, Im expecting to lose a bit more, but from what i`ve read and researched, after a few months you can easily put it back on, depending on the success of the op.

I had my surgery five weeks ago and have lost seventeen pounds to date. I'm a thin guy so that much weight on me is a lot. I actually gained some weight before the surgery and drank protein shakes plus boosted myself with a ton of supplements for a quick recovery. I'm already eating hamburgers and things like that. The surgeon who did my wrap made it really tight so the first couple of bites hurt like hell going down but then things smooth out after that.

Charles

CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW LONG THEY WERE IN THE HOSPITAL AND OFF WORK FOR THIS THING.

Hi Jimw,Welcome to Healing Well! I had a Nissen surgery four years ago, and have never looked back. It was the best thing I could have done, as my lungs were very sick from the effects of acid reflux. Glad to hear you have a great attitude! You'll do just fine. I'm not sure how much searching the website you've done, but here's my early recovery journal. It'll give you an idea of what the recovery is like:
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

Actually, after you've fully healed, it's very easy to gain the weight back, so you'll have to be careful if you want to keep it off. You mentioned not being able to drink beer after surgery. This is true at the very beginning of recovery, but once you've healed, you will be able to drink it. I enjoy beer and figured I'd have to give it up because of the carbonation, but not so. I can drink it just fine. Champagne is another story. It is aggressively carbonated and even after 3 years when we were celebrating my son's engagement, I had a bloating episode after having a couple glasses.

Many people can drink coffee freely after their recovery. Probably most. I have a very reactive stomach, so I drink it sparingly, and mainly stick to tea.

I think you'll be pleasantly suprised with the results. I won't lie. The early recovery is challenging. But if you can surrender to your recovery, listen to your body, and follow its lead, you'll do just fine. Accept it as it is, and don't struggle against it. You can't rush it. Your healing will take its own sweet time. Relax and go with the flow, and you'll do just fine.

Good luck with your appointment! Let us know how it goes.
Be sure to start a new thread on the main page (GERD - Heartburn) introducing yourself and telling about your journey to getting a Nissen.
Best wishes,
Denise

Hi Denise,

Thanks for the encouragement.  I am scheduled for gastric motility Wednesday, manometry on Friday and EGD and Bravo?? the following Wednesday.  Ready to get this over with.  I can take as much time off as I want.  I have about 5 months saved up, so I have no intentions on rushing the healing.  I am sure I will be able to eat and drink like normal after awhile, but I am going to put some self imposed restrictions on myself.  I would have a bariatric gastric bypass if I qualified, but I am not overweight enough for that.  So hopefully I will get and keep some weight off along with actually feeling better.  Tired of the nausea and chest pains.  I read your link a couple of days ago.  It is good to see exactly what someone else went through.  I will let you know how things go after the EGD and subsequent Dr. visit.

Interesting, I worked as an RN for 10 years and the last in endoscopy until 12 years ago.  The test and procedures have really changed over the last 12 years.  I never heard of the Bravo acid monitor or manometry until this week.

I'm in an odd situation. I went through all the hoops to get approved for gastric band for morbid obesity, but my insurance disapproved everything gastric band related, but did approve me for Laparoscopic fundoplasty with modifications. In order to be at my medically desired weight (I would love to be there too), I need to lose about 130 pounds. I haven't yet spoken to my surgeon about the disapproval and approval, but even though I don't have a GERD problem, can I expect to see that kind of weight loss after this surgery? I think it's the same as Nissen fundoplication.

Thanks Denise! I will keep this forum posted.
Steve

Had an appointment with the surgeon on March 28, but they canceled it. Doc had to go out of town. Wanted me to come in earlier, but my job suddenly decided I was needed in Florida for a week. My wife spoke with the Doc and she said she didn't see any reason we would not do the surgery. Yay. appointment Monday. Doc will try to get me scheduled later next week or the first of the next week. I think I will start a new thread and document my progress so that others may benefit from my experience as I have benefited from all of yours. A sincere thanks.

I am scheduled to have laparoscopic fundoplication surgery within the next 2 weeks. I am nervous to say the least and have many questions. The surgeon has tried to assure me that everything will be okay but I really wanted more information and to hear from others who had this surgery.

I have been suffering from Acid Reflux for more than 25 yrs., sleeping with 8 pillows and sometimes adding the living room oversized couch pillows (and 2yrs ago diagnosed with a Hiatal Hernia). For the last 4 months I have had to sleep in my chair sitting straight up and I still experience Acid Reflux. The surgeon order numerous to prepare for surgery including an endoscope (and placed a camera in my chest). My biggest concern was weightloss. I really need to get down to a healthier weight so I have been exercising including Bikram Yoga (Yoga in 105 degree temp. room) and have been doing great. How long did it take any of you to go back to your normal exercise routine? Have any of you been able to maintain your weight loss?

Where there any "surprise" issues that you experienced after the surgery that were not discussed with your surgeon prior to surgery (did anything out of the ordinary come up that you nor the doctor thought to talk about?)

Lady G

Thank you for the warm welcome Denise!

I have read your journal at least 4x's already (which is why I posted) you gave great insight. I also have asthma so to hear that all of this could be connected is a "wow" moment for me.

Thank you for your sharing your experience. I am learning how to use/navigate this form so I hope I cut and pasted my post the correct way (as you suggested).

I am not sure if I have asked all the questions I should with my surgeon. I trust her to keep me informed but as the patient I need to make sure I do my part by asking questions. Are there any suggested questions? (No one ever asked me about my acid reflux issues & connected them with asthma).

Post Edited (Lady.G) : 4/22/2013 9:21:02 AM (GMT-6)

Thanks. I was always fairly small (size 00-4). Around 2000 I had reached the peak of sinus issues and was put on loads of medications that required food first and steroids. My weight began to double (size 18-24). I joined a gym and gained even more weight. The doctors kept telling me the steroids that I was on wasn't strong enough to make me gain weight (yeah but over a period of 5 straight years it does). Then I was told the truth about my poor heating habits (I really went without eating for weeks at a time because I don't like eating...its not a disorder I just don't care to eat) so since I was not used to eating.....when I was younger the body burned all foods for fuel. Now that I am older the body stores everything as fat because it knows it might not get feed. Therefore, I have allowed my metabolism to slow down. Now I am taking everything I can to speed up my metabolism and work out until the acid reflux starts flaring up (size 16-18).

Are you still sore from the surgery? Are you eating solid foods yet? Has your "normal" voice come back yet? I have been hoarse for so long I have almost forgotten what I really sound like.

Hi Gilrod,

Welcome to the Healing Well Wrapped Club! Glad you've joined us.  As you've read here, it's very normal to lose weight with this surgery.  It's to be expected, considering that your swollen stomach gets full so fast, and the amount you can eat is limited.  Just go with the flow and follow your recovery where it takes you, and you'll do just fine.  We're here to answer questions and offer lots of support!

Happy healing,

Denise