Hi Marshy,
That's absolutely normal...I had bad asthma/lung infection, and my stomach killed when I coughed. If you have a certain area where it hurts (mine was especially excruciating at the incision on the left rib side.) Ice will help a lot. Also, hold a pillow against your stomach when you cough or sneeze.
As far as eating...the swelling of the wrap increases over the first two weeks, and peaks at the two week mark. Don't be surprised if your swallowing gets worse before it gets better. Relax...you will heal and be back to normal eating.
It's a gradual process. I was on liquids in the hospital, soft foods until Day 5, and solid foods (tiny bites) that can be chewed to a liquid after that.
In the beginning you can't eat much because your stomach is swollen and stiff, so interprets that feeling as fullness. That will gradually dissipate over the next few weeks.
I think at 6 weeks things are noticeable better, and by four months I was on vacation eating normal amounts at restaurants.
The most important thing for your recovery is to let your recovery lead you, instead of trying to make it happen the other way around. The more you struggle against what is, the more difficult you're recovery experience will be. If you can relax into the recovery, it'll be so much easier. You can't rush it...it'll take its own sweet time. Just go along for the ride!
Congratulations on becoming a member of the Wrapped Club! Hang around this forum...there are a lot of people here who have experienced the post-Nissen recovery first hand, and will be happy to support you and share their experiences.
Take care,
Denise
