Hi SummerGAL,I called my surgeon early on in my recovery because I had heartburn symptoms and was worried. He told me that pretty much anything was possible at the early stages of recovery. I could have reflux, certainly, but perhaps not.
He told me that the the esophagus is a dumb organ, and it interprets all pain as reflux. You've just had major surgery, and your upper GI tract has been through a real trauma. There's bound to be pain.
In addition, your wrap is swollen, which creates a pain of its own. Also, it can stop food from getting into your stomach. That food/medication, can sit at the wrap site and irritate your esophagus further. That pain is interpreted by your brain as reflux.
I remember burping liquid back into my mouth...it seemed like reflux, but was just water mixed with some food. It had been sitting at the wrap site and and was propelled up the esophagus and into my mouth by the burp/air. It was not the least bit acidic.
Hang in there. This will resolve. The reason the Maalox helps is likely that it coats and relieves your lower esophagus. Be sure to sip non-iced water (no straw) frequently after eating, to get everything through the wrap.
If the pain is extreme, consider calling your GI doc and asking him/her to order Carafate Suspension. It will coat your esophagus and wrap better than Maalox, and will last longer.
Hang in there. Remember, your wrap is becoming increasing swollen over the first two weeks post-op, so your swallowing will get worse before it gets better. I remember it well. Swallowing was not comfortable, and as swelling increased, it got less so. You're in the thick of your early-stage recovery, and it will get better soon.
Just take it one day at a time. Go with the flow, and know that in time you'll be back to yor old self.
Hang in there!
Happy healing,
Denise