Jenn's Nissen Fundoplication Story

Hi Debbie

Take a visit to this HW forum link

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=3132073

I think it will be helpful to you My best wishes. Pat

Dencha (Denise)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR POST!! You are so encouraging! My surgery is set for September 8th and is being done by a surgeon who is top in our area. I don't know how many of these he has done but I have confidence in him! I will definitely keep in touch!

1 Year, 10 Months (post op) – Nov 1, 2014   Hello Debbie. To answer your question…   “ Do you think you could have dealt with the water fast after surgery or do you believe now that it would have drained you of strength even more?”   I would absolutely have undertaken a fast (abstaining from everything but distilled or spring water) directly after my surgery for several weeks (4-6 wks) without any concern for being drained of strength. However, I would have gotten tired and felt faint periodically for certain. But, I had a great nutritional profile prior to my going in (except being depleted of B12, Magnesium and calcium - which self-corrects during a fast) for surgery and some excess weight that would have padded my extended fasting time. During a fast, if intended for the purpose of healing , the faster should be in a rest state 99% of the time to retain and direct energy to internal physical healing. If I tried to work and be active while fasting, my body would not heal as quickly and it would defeat the purpose of the fast. I had preplanned time off from work to recover from my surgery, and as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I work a sedentary job remotely from home. So, lying about all day (working from my laptop) as needed during a fast was doable -and practical- for me.   I know I would have healed 10 times faster and better all-around if I had fasted during my recovery from my Nissen. I have read extensively on this subject as well as undertaken several fasts over the past year and I have no doubt of the benefits I would have experienced. However, I am a low risk candidate for fasting at my leisure – no medical risks causing me any impediment. And I’ve done my homework; I understand what is happening with my body as the fast progresses. I would never fast without being educated on the subject.   Debbie, I hope your surgery went well and that you are recovering well.   Hi to the GERD Community!   I’m doing fantastic! …going on almost 2 years post op. No GERD or EE symptoms since everything went away – what seems like - a lifetime ago.   All is well with me, no reflux symptoms at all. While eating, I am always diligent with measuring quantity and fully chewing my food. I have no limitations with physical activity. It’s been a fully realized dream to be GERD/EE free. My surgery was a 100% success.   Over this past year, something I changed for health reasons is my diet. I was primarily seafood/vegetarian before my Nissen. But over the past year I have strived for 100% plant based eating, with limited to no processing of my food. Basically, I’m striving for Whole Food (& mostly raw) Vegan – my basic rule of thumb: if you can pluck it from a tree or pull it from the ground its food, if not, it’s not. I’ve been successful 95% of the time and have had some remarkable and unexpected changes. My vision improved and I had to get a new pair of lower strength glasses, my thyroid increased in speed (this one blew my mind), my digestion became normalized – no more constipation, no more bloating, less gas… Overall, I’m so much happier with my energy level, my sleep, & how I feel after I eat and throughout the day. And best of all, my weight has stabilized without actively working it on my end. I’m amazed at the difference in myself from a year ago up to today.   What's funny is when anyone finds out I have implemented a plant-based menu, they immediately say "where do you get your protein?". It's a silly question because we don't need protein, we need amino acids - protein is just a vehicle to transport amino acids. I've not had any problem getting all the amino acids I need from fruit & veggies and so far I have not been protein deficient. But people get very concerned for me that I could be protein deficient. I can lift 15lb dumbbells and for a girl of 5' 4" (now weighing in at 115), that is pretty dang good for strength/muscle.   Also, my wonderful loving mother decided that she wanted to flirt a bit with plant-based eating too (she grew up 3 square meat & potatoes). I’ve been “mentoring” her on it and she’s loving lots of dairy-alternative foods (she’s tip toeing into vegan for health reasons too, but processed food is less concerning for her than it is for me). She loves mayo and has found “Follow your Heart Vegenaise” and coconut-based ice cream, and is now pushing these on everyone in her social circle. To her surprise and delight, she dropped 20lbs in 3 months without any effort on her part & her cholesterol went into normal range.   So, anyway, I’m gonna continue to strive for 100% plant-based eating because it’s working for me on so many levels.   Again - best of luck to future wrappers, and also to those who decline surgery. Sending positive thoughts your way…   Jenn (aka jedi_Jenn) Post Edited (jedi_Jenn) : 11/1/2014 2:24:59 PM (GMT-6)

Reading about your experiences post-op have been very helpful, I am waiting on clearance for Surgery and will be scheduled for Robotic Nissen Fundoplication probably in March. After taking nexium for a long time and worsening hoarseness, a barium swallow and Bravo test (I couldn't tolerate the manometry test), I have a 4cm Hiatal Hernia, I feel that Surgery is necessary.
Has anyone else heard of hoarseness from reflux? It's so bad at times, I have trouble talking properly.
And, it may seem petty, but how can you swallow pain pills after surgery?

4 Years, 3 Weeks Post Op – February 4, 2017

- The 360 fundoplication was the best decision I ever made to reform my life, and 4 years later I’m thriving from the results. I have zero complications and I actually have to remind myself at times how much of a struggle pre-surgery life used to be for me.
- As a preventative measure, I am careful when physically active not to twist and jerk my torso – which is my normal now, and I don’t think twice about it. I can do so many different movements to keep fit; there’s absolutely no loss to my physicality living a full life - to my heart's desire. ….although, I haven’t been on a roller coaster since my surgery yet either.
- And the other day I tied a few on with some friends and had no issues with carbonated alcohol. Even though I practically fell asleep chasing my 2nd beer!
To date, mine is a superb result. And if my experience helps you to prepare for the surgery and recovery, then I’m happy to be able to support your own life reformation.

I intend to report in again to share a long-term result.

Take care.

Jenn

(aka jedi_Jenn)

Jenn, thank you for such a detailed and honest description of your journey. I like you were, am cautious, yet optimistic. Congratulations on your recovery!

Hello jedi_jenn

It's great to read about your success atory and it's given me hope. I'm on week 9 now and so far so good in my recovery. I do still get little niggly pains from time to time. The only thing which has worried me is, a couple of times. I've tasted blood and when ive spat there has been abit of blood, I wasn't sure if thats normal due to the fact that my stomach has gone through a big ordeal and its a warning for to take it easy.

Just curious if anyone can help admins.

I've had Nissen Fundoplication 16 months ago. My swallowing of food is the best it's ever been. I don't feel reflux or burning as I once did but I do occasionally have mild breathlessness and last few days I've been burping well they're not burps I once had. The are dull and feel like puffs of air. Just need some advice. If I'm swallowing well still after so long, I don't feel heartburn or burning is that a good sign that everything is working. I'm quite a worrier.

John.

7 yrs & 16 weeks Post Op (Day 0 (op day) - January 14, 2013)

Greetings during the 2020 global pandemic and physical distancing across the world! I hope anyone reading this is safe in retreat and actively working on an interesting project while passing the time. I plan to put together a 1000 piece puzzle - once it arrives (it's been delayed since it is not essential). And, I need to find a job! Thanks to this virus I get to brush up my resume and land a better gig with better benefits and monetize the situation!

For those who have their scheduled surgeries delayed, I imagine both the frustration and fear respectively: for the long wait until you can get it done, and the risk in venturing out into the public and hospitals once some of these restrictions are lifted...

My advice is to occupy yourself with healthy activities like yoga or gardening or reading, (not all Netflix all day, every day!) ... and clean up your diet with fresh fruits and veggies! While you are spending time physically apart, take advantage in building up your immune system to both prepare for healing once you have the surgery and so that you can fight (and WIN!) any infection you might encounter. The doctor will be there for you when the time comes. You've been in pain this long, you can get through a bit longer. You know you can.

Stepping down off my soap box...

Zero issues to report. No complications. I have had a little heartburn once in a while which scared me at first because I just haven't had any in years.... but I could easily trace back the source (jalapenos and onions, etc.). And nothing chronic, just a brief moment, like a couple hours or a day or something.

I also continue to get food caught in my wrap once in a while, but I can - again - directly trace it to my taking too large bites or not chewing properly or something like that. It's rare these days, but it does still happen.

I'm living a wonderful GERD & EE free life.

My second piece of advice, do your homework with selecting your surgeon.

Research.

Research!

Research!!

My wish to whomever is reading this a healthy and safe future.

I intend to report in again to share a long-term result.

Take care.

Jenn
(aka jedi_Jenn)