7 weeks post-op Hiatal Hernia Fundoplication Surgery

Hi there, I’m new to the site and hoping to get some advice or insight about my recovery. I’m a 76 years old and 7 weeks post-op Hiatal Hernia Fundoplication surgery. I’ve lost 15 pounds and another 10 before surgery, I’m trying to eat several times a day to get enough calories so don’t lose much more weight, however, after a couple of days trying to eat 2000 calories, then everything seems to go south and I can barely eat anything without serious gas and stomach gurgling, which makes it difficult to get enough nourishment.
Also, I’ve developed a bitter Metallic taste in my mouth which also makes eating problematic.
I guess my question is does this seem like normal recovery for 7 weeks, I actually felt better after 3 or 4 weeks and it seems like I’m going down hill. My Surgeon was not very helpful giving me information prior to surgery, so any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Hi Rosie and thanks for reply, most appreciated. This site does seem very active anymore? I’m fairly certain that the bad taste is not oral thrush, however, it really makes my appetite go away! I will try eating smaller amounts and eating more often per your recommendation. I wish my surgeon had been better at informing me about the recovery process, I’m not sure I’d do this again at my age, when your 76 quality of life is paramount.
How are you doing in your recovery?

Hi:

Unfortunately this Forum is not very active and is staffed by volunteers. Cowdog, by forcing your food intake to try and get carloric numbers up you are now facing gastric issues. Try taking anti-gas medication that contains simethicone. It's very common to lose weight while recovering, but you will gain it back and then some. Keep in mind that everyone's recovery journey is unique. You are still very early in your recovery, and are probably expecting too much too soon, especially at 76 years old. I didn't feel much better until six months post surgery and the "new" me at 1 year.

Sharon

Hi SharonZ and thanks for writing. Your probably right that I’m expecting more that I should at this point and being 76 makes healing more complicated and slower. I’m surgeon gave me the ok to start eating what ever I wanted at week three which in retrospect seems way to fast. I kept trying to eat more and more, but found myself feeling seriously bloated with lots of gas and quite frankly sick. At this point eating has become a chore and almost something I don’t look forward to. I have been taking Gas X from the beginning and it does help. I’m hoping that eating lots of food at the three week period didn’t completely screw me up.
Thanks again for writing, much appreciated!

Thank you!

Yes, constipation has been a huge issue since the surgery thank you for your recommendation and writing, I’m pretty sure I’ve allowed myself to get dehydrated, I’m trying to drink more water, Also, the dry mouth is a big problem when I wake up, awful bitter taste, do you have dry mouth?
Sincerely, Cowdog

2 to 3 motions, I done understand?

Hi Rosie, 2 or 3 a day, that’s unbelievable to me, wow, a bowel movement 3 times a day, maybe three times a week seem more reasonable!
Have a wonderful day, Cowdog!

Thank you Sharon for your help and encouragement!