Hello! I am two weeks into recovery from a Toupet Fundoplication. I just wanted to share my experience so far and see what other's experienced as well.
I am 37 years old, and after battling with Reflux and taking a variety of different PPIs in combination with lots of Tums, Zantac, and Pepcid AC for close to 10 years, I was finally referred to a surgeon to look into alternative options other than medication. I was eager to hear more, as I recently became aware of how long term use of PPIs was linked to dementia, bone weakening, vitamin deficiencies, kidney disease, and digestive issues. I've struggled with other digestive issues (IBS-D) throughout this period as well, I am hopeful eliminating PPI's will resolve this as well.
I was qualified as a candidate after going through the typical testing prior to fundoplication - Endoscopy, Bravo pH, Barium Swallow, and esophageal manometry (manometry sucked, not gonna lie). They found a very small, appx. 3cm hiatal hernia that was the culprit for my issues. Given the small size of the hernia, the Toupet (270 degree wrap) was selected by my surgeon, versus the full Nissen 360. This was welcomed, as I was concerned about
the post op effects - especially dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), Toupet is supposed to be an easier recovery.
I had the surgery two weeks ago now. Doc said everything went perfectly. Recovery hasn't been terrible so far, just one night in the hospital. Not a lot of pain, but the most painful part was the initial gas/bloat that resonated throughout my entire abdomen, up into my shoulders and neck, which made it difficult to sleep. That gas pain gradually dissipated over the first few days and was pretty much gone by day 4 or 5. The only pain meds I was sent home with was liquid Ibuprofen and Tylenol, and Tramadol which had to be crushed. I only took the Tramadol for maybe three days; the pain was very manageable and I was worried about
constipation. I have been totally off all pain meds since day 7 post surgery. Still taking GasX 4 times daily, and they gave me anti nausea medication which I haven't needed.
The diet has been rough, the worst part by far. I am two weeks in and have shown no improvement yet in what I can get down, which is basically still just a liquid diet. I've lost about
15 lbs. so far, which is a lot for me, only weighed 155 to begin with. I am only able to consume somewhere between 700 and 1000 calories daily, with a lot of effort. I've been timing it - on average it takes me about
6 minutes in between bites or sips of anything (including water) before I feel comfortable enough to try again. When I've rushed it, or accidently taken too big off a bite/sip I've vomited - 5 times so far. No super aggressive, retching vomit, but just getting out whatever is trapped in my esophagus. And I'm taking very small bites and sips. As an example, it takes me about
2 1/2 hours to finish a 15.6 oz. protein drink. I've tried thicker foods like mashed potatoes, but can't get them down yet. The first week was pretty depressing honestly, but I'm starting to get used to it. I've heard 6 weeks is the standard where most people start to get back to normal. It's not fun to be hungry and thirsty all day, but anytime you try to eat or drink you feel very uncomfortable because everything gets stuck...trying to be patient. Poor wife is having to deal with my hangry bad mood and irritability, plus she is kind of stuck with the same diet.
My first follow up with my surgeon is tomorrow, we'll see how it goes.
Not sure if anyone will ever see this, but hopefully it can provide a little insight to anyone considering fundoplication, or can help empathize with someone else going through it.
Post Edited (RyanMTX) : 11/21/2022 10:01:18 AM (GMT-8)