Returning to the forum post surgery

Hello-- On August 28th of last year, I had the Nissen Fundoplication surgery. The recovery was slow, but the end result was outstanding. I'm completely off all PPIs. I have no heartburn or reflux. I eat what I want, however, I have made a conscious choice to limit or avoid spicy foods-- not because I can't tolerate them but rather because I want to be kind to my stomach. My stomach is a little smaller, however, I have a healthy appetite. I don't overeat, because I really can't. My weight is good and stable. I feel healthy. If you're considering surgery, you probably won't be disappointed with the end results-- It was worth it.

Ian

Hi Ian,

First off, CONGRATULATIONS! That's great to hear.

It's been nine months since your surgery. If you don't mind me asking, wow long have you felt so good for? When did you start to feel "normal" I ask as someone five months in.

Cheers,

LD

Pink-- I was hating life those first couple of weeks after the surgery. I had a rough go, but everyone in this forum encouraged me and reminded me that the experience is like a marathon and not a sprint. I have my life back.

Ian Victor said...
LD-- It took a good 3 months to where I felt I had shaken off the after-effects of surgery. You don't realize the toll the surgery takes on your body until several months later. Keep in mind that I was 48 at the time. I was healthy and playing basketball 5 days a week and walking a couple of miles on my days off. I had to go slowly with swallowing and chewing my food thoroughly. I had lots of gas pain after the surgery. That's gone. I had difficulty determining when I was full-- the brain and stomach have to relearn those signals. By month 4 I really picked up my energy level.

Hi, thanks for the info, it's reassuring to speak with someone who is a bit further down the path.

The toll the surgery takes is amazing, I was a machine before the op: running 10k, tons of dips and pullups, long swims and bike rides. Now I'm moving in the right direction but from a very bad place. I cycled 0.5 miles today and afterwards felt like I'd ran a marathon. Even my triceps were tingling, my core and calves were screaming.

I know what you mean about signals. I never feel hungry until after I eat, then about 10 minutes later I feel STARVING. However if I eat anything else the discomfort is amazing.

Thanks again,

LD