Nissen Fundoplication - at what point did you think it was successful?

I could tell immediately that the reflux had stopped. After a meal or even a drink of water i used to regurgitate and reflux a dozen or more times. That was all gone. It took 2 or so weeks until the pains of surgery were gone that I could tell my worst symptom, a terrible chest pain that I had for hours a day, was completely gone. That was the symptom that I wanted to get rid of the most, as it was really screwing my life up.

I also had throat issues, feeling of something in throat, spasms and other weird sensations. While not painful and more annoying than anything else, I have seen those symptoms decrease by a good amount, but it has been very, very slow. The improvement is so gradual it is difficult to notice. I'll just notice sometimes that I'm having a lot less trouble with my throat than I once did. After post surgery discussions with my surgeon, gastro doc and ENT, they all agreed that healing the throat takes a very long time. I heard ranges of 3-6 months, and could be longer. The ENT was at the same hospital I had my Nissen and in his experience, he said it was closer to 6 months to have full symptom resolution. If I keep improving at the pace I have, I expect I'll be symptom free by 6 months. I was told that I could see faster improvement if I go back on a PPI, but I don't really want to get back into that and am happy with my recovery so far.

Being at 2 weeks, It is way too early to make a determination of success. You have a significant amount of post surgery healing and recovery left.

Max-

Remember what we have been telling everyone. The 2 week mark is right about peek swelling and everything will feel worse until the swelling goes down and things finish healing. You are in this for the long haul, nit just a week or 2. Think more like 6 months to a tear for final results.

Take care,
Bill

Thanks you guys. It really means a lot. Im trying not to think about it as much day to day. Hopefully that will help me believe that it was a success and I can move on with my life instead of dwell on it. You guys are so inspiring and helpful I can't thank you guys enough.

Thanks Joe. I have my ups and downs. I have to be positive. The situation is tolerable honestly. But I was hoping for faster resolve of the symptoms. At two weeks....I suppose it's way to early to expect anything

Hi Marcello,
The short answer: I had reflux after surgery

The longer answer :) :
When I got out of surgery I wasn’t told that I could experience reflux post op. I stopped taking the PPI’s and felt that everything would be good.
At day 4, after liquid breakfast I started feeling the good old reflux pain and it got worse. When I called the hospital they told that I should have stayed on the PPI’s the first 2 – 3 weeks.
Now I am week 16, and I have felt smaller improvements lately though I am still on 30mg Lansoprazole twice a day. Sometimes I think that maybe my wrap is not tight enough but when I spoke to my surgeon Thursday last week he said it was normal to experience ups and downs all the way to the 6 month mark. He had hoped for better progress with me but until the 6 month mark he would not be alarmed.

So my own conclusion to this:
1. It is normal to experience reflux after surgery
2. They should subside over the first 3 months, for some over the first 6 months
3. Stay on PPI’s right after op, and try to get off them after about a month

Thanks for your replies Jesper and Dave, it's reassuring to hear anecdotes like this.

Despite being only at day 8, I can't help wondering that the wrap is too loose as I still get that burning pain, and it still wakes me up. Also considering going back on PPIs in the interim, any thoughts on that?

I would love if I could jump right back in and get it tightened, difficulty swallowing and all, wish it were that easy :)

I'm actually going to have another barium swallow (upper GI) on Thursday. I'll let you know the results!

Steak at week 4? Wow!

Ian hust at 8 weeks post op. the only issues I have now are eating. If I forget to chew thoroughly I am reminded to do so by the pain of food stuck in my esophogous. I don't dare eat meat because it goes right through me and the cramping is unbearable. I have done my routine exercising for 5 days now and other than a little bruising feeling at one of the left side surgical site, I am doing great. A month ago I was trying to talk everyone out of having this surgery. But today, I can breathe again and I have had zero heartburn since the surgery. The recovery was the most challenging thing I ever gone through. I am so glad it is over. Would I have the surgery again? That is a hard question to answer because of the hard recovery. So hang in there..

Thanks Dave.

I think I just have to believe. I had some dental erosion and my throat and parts of my mouth were red from gerd/LPR. I would check it everyday tinder if it would improve and would get discouraged if I didn't see an improvement. I have to make it a point not to do that anymore cause it does me no good but only worry me.

I know....surrender....but it's so hard not to get discouraged sometimes. I wish I could fast forward the time to 6 months and see how much I will improve. I'm at day 20 post op.......I my stomach issues are a lot better than pre op but it's just my throat/mouth that doesn't seem to heal or is taking a long time to show improvements....

I'm still on a soft foods diet as instructed by my surgeon. My activity level is great if there's any positive of all this. I'm trying to keep myself busy so I don't dwell on whatever symptoms I am feeling. Let's hope this goes away.