Posted 8/22/2014 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum!
Sounds like you're well on your way to prepping for your aftercare....great job! When I had my Nissen a year ago, this forum helped me with what to do and not to do. There are lots of great stories (mine is buried somewhere in there, too) and some not so great stories.
The key to a successful outcome is to allow yourself the heal. Don't push your return to activity or to work. Don't be afraid to sit and do nothing. Most of all, DO NOT push your diet and KEEP HYDRATED. Your body needs nutrition and water if it's going to heal. Room temperature water is great to keep handy, as is green tea. While I was recovering, milkshakes were my favorite.
If you're a reader, some of your prep should include a trip to the bookstore. You shouldn't limit your activity altogether. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel after a short walk. Not only will it help eliminate any swelling and fluid retention from the surgery, it will help with the pain in your neck and shoulder from the gas used during the procedure as well. If you do nothing except sit and stare at your incisions all day, you'll likely feel worse than better.
Sleeping on your right side will be easier than your left. Your surgeons main working port is on your left side just under the rib cage. It gets quite the beating during the operation so you'll be sore there more so than anywhere else. As such, sleeping on that side won't be fun for the first couple weeks.
While you're sitting around, keep a pillow handy. If you feel a sneeze or cough coming on, put the pillow up against your belly and give it a good hug when you sneeze or cough. It won't hurt as bad!
Best of luck! I can't tell you how happy I am to have had the surgery. After 15 years miserable on PPI's, I'm glad to have relief. I hope you have as great of an outcome as I did. Keep us updated on your progress and don't be afraid to ask ANY questions. Nothing scares us here...so get as graphic as you need to ;)
Take care and be well!
-TonyG-