Bras & Straws?

Two unrelated questions here regarding post laparoscopic fundoplication surgery. But as they've been on my mind, I thought I'd ask all of you!

1) For the ladies, when and how were you able to comfortably wear a bra, underwire or otherwise? Based on the incision diagram my surgeon showed me, it looks like the main entry point will near the left underwire. Thoughts? I can skip one at home, but then will need to wear one (or a recommended alternative) upon returning to work. Thoughts? Advice is welcome!

2) I've read much about straws here -- avoiding them to prevent air in the stomach. Will this always be the case? I use them usually for smoothies, etc. How about in the hospital? Don't they normally give you a straw?

I look forward to your advice, experience and insight! Thanks everyone :)

Forget using straws for at least a long time, maybe a year. If you can't burp easily, you don't want to add gas by sucking it in with a straw.

I could probably have used a bra after a week or two, but not an underwire.
I felt miserable enough without anything. It depends on how extensive the surgery is. I had a "Giant Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia" GPEH, so my surgery was 4-5 hours.
There are plenty of good bras without wires. I'd invest in one that has enough support and also one that is minimal, like Barely There - just in case. You won't want to go shopping for a while, so plan ahead.

I am generously endowed, but not a cow. IMO take the Barely There skimpy night bra with you to the surgery, or plan to not bother wear one at all. Sweatshirts are useful. It's more important to be comfortable than beautiful.

With a GPEH plan not feeling well for a bit longer, and DON'T let them send you home the same day! I stayed 3 days. While I am a bit older than many, I was in decent shape, no smoking and not obese.

Plan to need liquids, maybe even a few meals of clear liquids. Get plenty if soft foods. Not mashed potatoes. Read lots of meal posts - search box at the top of the page. There are good hospital-written food lists online. UPMC has a post Nissen diet that is good. Just put the keywords in your browser.

Post Edited (Alcie) : 3/8/2016 2:09:53 PM (GMT-7)

Thought I would weigh in on the straw issue. I used a straw the first few days after surgery and had terrible gas pains until someone suggested the NF diet. It says avoid straws. Needless to say I no longer use them and don't have too many issues with gas.

One other thing about the diet. I am eating a little baby food, pudding, and cream of wheat, which believe it or not is on my liquid diet list. I was trying to take little bites with a regular teaspoon but old habits and all, I would sometimes forget and put too much on it. Swallowing was painful. So my solution, which may sound silly, is that I now use a baby/toddler spoon which gives me just the right amount. The tiny bites are easy to get down. Takes longer but very little pain.

Good luck on Friday!