Post Nissen Fundoplication Gas - Is there hope?

Hi Carria5,

Welcome to the Healing Well Wrapped Club! At three days, you're at the roughest part of your recovery. It is very common to have gas during the healing stage, and generally around 3-6 months, things get better.

If you researched your surgeon fully, I expect he created a wrap of the correct tightness, so I don't think you're experiencing a too-tight wrap. Just as with any cut or bruise, your body often responds with swelling. The same thing happens at the surgical site, and your wrap is going to continue to increase in swelling for at least the next two weeks. Swallowing will get worse before it gets better, so don't be surprised at that.

The bloating you're experiencing sounds as if it's inside your stomach, which is why it causes discomfort. The way the wrap works, the more pressure and even gas in the stomach, the tighter it becomes. When the gas gets ahead of the wrap's ability to release it, you're in for a bloating episode.

These become less and less frequent as you go through the first six months to a year. Even after fully healed, you might occasionally have a bloating episode, but it won't hurt like it does now, because you'll be healed. I had it happen after two glasses of champagne about 4 years post op! Live and learn...that champagne is too bubbly for two glasses!

Make sure you're not drinking from straws. Straws will increase the air in your stomach. Don't talk while eating. It introduces air.

You might try chewing two or three BEANO tablets before eating the vegetable broth and see if that helps. It's an enzyme that prevents gas from starting. You chew the tablets just before eating whatever offending foods you are ingesting...it's for vegetable/legumes, and I've found it very helpful. During my healing phase I used it a lot.

Vegetables can really create lots of gas. If the BEANO isn't doing it, you might want to lay off them for the first few weeks until the swelling subsides. I know it's not healthy, but if they bother you, it's best to avoid them, and introduce them slowly back into your diet. Being an ovo-lacto vegetarian will make things easier.

Gas-X can only help with bloating if you can burp even a little. Once you're not burping, there's still no place for the gas to go.

You're in the part of the healing process during which everyone thinks it might have been a mistake to have the surgery! It's a challenge, but with a good attitude and a good dose of acceptance, you'll do fine. If you can surrender to your recovery and follow it where it leads, things will go much more smoothly. Those who stress, and struggle against the reality of healing, have a lot harder recovery. Your body will heal in its own sweet time! Patience and trust are a requirement.

Glad you've joined the forum! It's a great place to get information and support. Hang in there...it gets better!

Happy healing,
Denise

I started to hear little girgles in my throat right after feeling air pressure at the wrap. Could this mean that my burps are trying to return? I really hope so!

Yes, I definitely see burps in a whole new light now! The little girgles from yesterday have become louder and more effective today. Also have less trapped gas so I think it's helping. :)

Thank you for posting your journal! I'm sure it will help me to read your experience.

On a down note, I was diagnosed with pneumonia today... It explains some of the issues that I have been experiencing.

Post Edited (Carria5) : 1/20/2014 8:35:16 PM (GMT-7)

Thanks Michelle. Strangely enough I almost feel relieved that my chest pain and trouble breathing are due to the pneumonia and not the wrap or mesh. I'm remaining optimistic.

Carria5,

Glad to hear you had some real burps. I guess those of us who had the Nissen will never have those gigantic burps the hobbits had at the dinner table:)

Michelle

Hi Carria5,
That is good news! As you travel your healing path, your burps will become more frequent and effective. Still, they can have a mind of their own, and if the gas gets ahead of the wrap and pushes the wrap tightly against the opening of the esophagus, you'll get some bloating. That experience, though will become less and less frequent as you heal.
Happy Burping!
Denise

I crush my pills and I use liquid vitamins. I too have problem at times with liquids versus more solid foods like crackers or tortilla chips or nuts. My esophagus has become picky on what I eat and swallow. You are just experiencing the beginning of what your body will allow on some days. Some days you can eat a lot. Some days you can't.

Michelle

Thanks Denise! It makes sense.

Thanks Bill!

Thank you for the words of encouragement!

Hi Carria5,

Yes...the food does stick at times. Are you nauseated when it happens or uncomfortable?

Michelle

Probably food irritating the wrap. You are still in the early stages. Sounds like your stomach or wrap is letting you know what foods it likes or not.

Michelle