Almost Two Weeks Wrapped

I need some new friends in this journey of being "wrapped". I am 35 years old, thin, & tall, and suffered from a hiatal hernia since the age of 2. I two days shy of two weeks post-op. I am still having pain when swallowing. I feel where the wrap is and it is a strange feeling to feel your espophagus emptying! I have not had the best go of it. I left the hospital with NO instructions, food plan, etc. I am more than angry at my doctor. However, I am sleeping ALL NIGHT LONG with no reflux or choking. My throat is still hurting from intubation. Anybody have these symptoms? Will I ever feel "normal" again? Thanks for any responses. I have no one to turn to- and the nurses all have told me six or seven different stories.

APPLE
First of all, welcome to the wrapped club!!!! Second of all, you could not have come to a better place to be informed and supported. I am 11 months post op on the 1st of March. I would not have made it this far this well if not for this forum and the wonderful people here.

You are in the baby stages of your recovery. The wrap has not even finished peak swelling .. usually around 14-16 days the wrap will reach peak swelling and then will slowly recede. During this time your swallowing may be difficult, and you will almost definitely have gas. You must be sure that you stick to soft foods at this point or if you can tolerate it, any food that you can chew to a liquid. I can only tell you my experience. My Dr. said that I would not be able to eat bread or steak for at least 6-8 weeks. He said I should stay on full liquid/soft foods until the beginning of my 3rd week. At that point I should begin adding foods as tolerated.
Once I came here I found out a lot more that should be done.. such as... chew everything well... chew chew chew.. that is a rule.. another thing you should always try to do... relax into your recovery.. there is a long recovery time with this surgery. You will see that your incisions are healed rapidly, your insides were lifted, jostled, pushed, moved. and relocated in general. your insides are going to take time to recover this trauma on the inside. Your stomach has been pulled stretched and sewn. Please take time to heal..... You may have difficulty swallowing anything but small well chewed bites for a while.. you will also be feeling full sooner than you can imagine.. just relax into it and you will be fine.. just eat frequently, small amounts and you will see that you are doing well.
I do hope that you followed the links that Kitt left for you. They will be invaluable. There is also a link posted at the beginning of this forum that will give you a great insight into the recovery of this surgery.
I am sure others who are much more knowledgeable than I am will be around to talk to you.. Please stay with us and know that we will be here to support you, laugh with you and if the need arises, we will cry with you too!. Most of us know what you are feeling and what is to come..

Reach for the Sunshine... Rainbows will follow
Sandi