270 fundoplication & hiatus hernia surgery - recovery

Hi all,

I've mentioned this in SweetieUK 's journey posts but wanted to ask for your advice here also.

I had the 270 wrap and HH repair last Thursday (28/5), surgery took 3 hours and I was in hospital for two nights.

From all of the great advice I read prior to the op on this forum, most of my recovery looks pretty standard so far, including the shoulder / neck pain. I'm on a sloppy diet for the next 3 weeks and so yoghurt and soup are pretty much it for now.

The one issue (and it could be a biggie, I don't know!) is that since day 2 I've pretty much had constant reflux. For me that means burning throat, awful metallic taste in mouth etc. I had the surgery as 80mg of PPIs weren't doing anything and a gastroscopy revealed that I suffer from bile reflux rather than acid, so medication doesn't really help anyway.

I'm very much hoping that this is being caused by swelling etc and will fade in time but I'd be so grateful for anyones advice who had the same thing, ahead of seeing my consultant for a follow up next week.

Trying to be positive as I have approached this surgery with optimism and hope!

I too had a 270, but mine was about a month ago and I continue to have reflux symptoms. The intensity of the symptoms has decreased over time however. I was on three 40mg Nexium and am now on one with plans to go to one every other day for a few weeks to finalize the taper. According to my surgeon (via email) and gastroenterologist, this is normal as the swelling and surgical pain can manifest itself as reflux symptoms. I was told by my gastro that he has had patients who have this feeling for several months after the surgery, but that the symptoms diminish over time.

I have found that when I eat more than I should, eat too fast and some specific food types cause more problems. Chocolate, sweet food or drinks, greasy anything and dairy are definitely triggers for me. I would look at how and what you are eating and see if some things cause more problems than others.

Having said that, I have a follow-up with my surgeon in a week and intend to get more detailed information on 2-6 month expectations.

Best of luck!

Birdie81:

You are at the point in post-surgery where swelling may be at it's peak. You should definitely start to feel better in a day or two.

Sharon