Just thought I would post my positive experience so far with the surgery. I, like others who had the surgery suffered for years with horrible reflux. Food would not stay down, bitter taste in mouth, many days what I ate just came all the way back up. So after many tests and much investigation I decided to have the surgery. That was 3 1/2 weeks ago. To my surprise I woke up feeling okay. No gas, no pain (except for my throat which was caused by the endotracheal intubation). The next morning still feeling no pain, I walked all around the hospital floor. In the morning I was given a breakfast tray of liquids. about
an hour later I received a tray that contained eggs, oatmeal, pancakes and coffee. I told the nurse it was my understanding from what I had read that I would be on a liquid diet for at least the first week. She advised me that my doctor had approved a regular diet. Shortly after (tray still sitting there, untouched as I was afraid to eat anything), my surgean walked in and I asked him about
tray. He told me I could eat anything I wanted to as long as I ate slowly and chewed my food very well. He did tell me not to eat bread or drink soda, or sip through a straw. Other than that there were no restrictions, including having a glass of wine or a cocktail.
My first three weeks have been uneventful. I returned to work after 10 days (I don't have a desk job, and work on my feet for 12 hours) I haven't felt excessively tired and since I no longer have GERD, think I have more energy.
Today for the first time since my surgery I have some discomfort which I attribute to gas and healing.
I'm ready to resume all my normal activities. I've already started swimming and hope to go scuba diving in another week or so. For me the surgery has been less painful than having a root canal at the dentist. By the way, I'm what's referred to as a "senior citizen" but fortunately have been blessed with excellent health.