Hi Crewguy,Welcome to Healing Well! I had my Nissen surgery in February 2009, so I'm definitely healed. During the first months, the wrap irritation can be more bothersome. As healing continues, it becomes less and less of a problem.
This surgery takes six months for most of the healing and a year for the rest. I found continued improvement even into the second year.
Wrap irritation is definitely nothing to be worried about
. It's a bother, but not a concern. During the first year or so, I found eating large dinner salads/raw veggies caused irritation. Now I can eat as many dinner salads/celery/carrot sticks, etc. as I want with no trouble at all.
Digestion is aided by chewing your food thoroughly. All people--wrapped or not--should be chewing their foods well. Once you're wrapped, though, it is a necessity. I you don't chew, chew, chew your foods, they can get a little stuck and cause discomfort. A sip of water usually takes care of it. Not all stuck foods cause irritation.
In the beginning, stick with toasted breads. Untoasted can ball up and stick on swallowing. Here is a link to some post-Nissen eating information:
www.oregonsurgical.com/pdfs/Nissen_Fundoplication_Diet.pdfAlso, here's a link to my early recovery journal. It'll give you some information you might find helpful:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443Stick around the forum! It's a great place to get information and support as you recovery from surgery. If you're a good candidate for a Nissen, and have a great surgeon who is highly experienced in this specific surgery, you'll be very happy with your decision and the results!
Best wishes!
Denise