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3 yrs and still bloat

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Posted 2/17/2014 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
I had my Nissen Fundo 12/2011.  I am glad I did, but I still have terrible bloat issues regardless of many different dietary changes to see if any will prevent it - or at least reduce it.

I rarely ever burp, very rarely, like skip a couple months before it happens, and it is usually only if I over eat. 

In 2012 when I started exercising and Irish Dancing again, I ended up with 2 terrible foot injuries.  Surgery and 6 months of next to no exercise.  I put on 35 pounds, so of course that does not help the bloat issue.  Been working on taking it off, but it's a struggle.

Any other "post" Nissen people out there having the same issue, or who found solutions for it?

Posted 2/17/2014 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Virgogirl,
It's good to hear from you again! Most people have bloating issues during recovery, but they resolve within a few months. You're one of the unlucky few who are bothered by it much longer. I expect you've got a tight wrap, and if you can't burp much at all, that gas just gets trapped in there.

I know what you're feeling, because once in a great while it happens to me, too. I never had much bloating, but occasionally I'll get some, and it's not fun, I know. I drank two glasses of champagne to celebrate my son's engagement, and ouch.

The wrap becomes tighter the fuller the stomach gets. Therefore, the more you eat, the harder it is to burp. In the case of the champagne, the bubbles/gas got ahead of the wrap's ability to release it, and pressure against the wrap stopped any chance of burping.

I started burping small burps right after surgery, and while I can't decide when to burp--my stomach decides--I usually burp when needed. Have you ever considered getting a dilation? Have you discussed that with your surgeon? If the bloating bothers you enough, that might help. Of course, loosening your wrap could allow some reflux through.

It's a balancing act...tight enough to keep the reflux down, loose enough to allow passage of food and release of gas.

Wish I had more to offer you! I hope someone else comes by with better information. Again...great to see you again!
Best wishes,
Denise
Posted 2/17/2014 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dencha,

Thank you, it's nice to be back.  I started to visit the UC forum to help my husband with his colitis, and also this miserable bloat and pressure against my wrap.

Actually, about 4 months ago I had an upper GI.  My doctor did not like the dissention of my stomach, so he did say if he determined the wrap was too tight, he would dilate it.  I begged him not too, even though I am miserable with bloat, I never want reflux as bad as I had it.  He still insisted on me signing an authorization for him to dilate if he felt it was just too tight.

He said it was tight, but not enough to give him a concern unless I start having more difficulties.  He said my Barrett's was cured, which I thought was impossible?  It was only at the end of my esophagus, so I sort of wondered if the Barrett's was simply in the wrap, but someone told me that is not possible.  The end of the esophagus is as it was, the stomach wraps around it.

I may have to go back to him.  Bloat has seemed to have gotten worse over time, so if it continues I'll make an appointment.  Even if he dilates it, there are advanced surgeries for reflux now that are not as intense as the Nissen.  Not that I want to go through that, but I would if reflux returns.

I remember you well Dencha.  Always so positive and supportive!  Thanks so much :-)

Posted 2/17/2014 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear about your problem. I know how tormenting bloating can be. I'm suffering from bloating as well, and i also have constant burping issue. Sometimes bloating is relieved a bit by bleches. But bleching itself is a torture if doesn't stop at all.
Posted 2/17/2014 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
I have LINX and I have the same type of bloat/gas build up issue almost daily. I can't burp like I used to so the air gets stuck. I have learned that Beano before my meals helps an A TON. Maybe try that? Beano has to be taken right before your first bite of food to work. It won't work after and is different from Gas-X... which never really works for me. I am hoping this bloat goes away with time, but it's been over a year since the surgery.
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