Posted 3/22/2014 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
momtwo3danes,
Welcome to Healing Well! It's a great place to be both pre and post surgery. There are many here who have been through the surgery, and can provide understanding, information, and support. As far as your questions go, I'll try to give you my take on the answers:
1)I read... u cannot burp after surgery? is the gas buildup painful? will it regulate on its own after time?
Most doctors will tell you that burping is impossible after surgery. In fact, some people can't burp at all after surgery, while others find they can. One thing is true...you can't make yourself burp the way you can pre-Nissen surgery. Your stomach will make burping decisions. If you can burps you'll have small ones at first, and bigger burps after recovery.
I was told I wouldn't be able to burp, but had small releases of air the first day post-op. During the first three months, the likelihood of bloating is highest, and it generally begins to gradually resolve after that. Even after full recovery and the ability to burp, you might have an occasional bloating episode, but they become more and more rare.
This is the thing. The way the wrap works, is that the fuller your stomach gets, the tighter the wrap becomes. Therefore, if the gas gets ahead of you, it can block off the escape route via burp, and you'll have to wait until the gas can make its exit out the back "door".
2)is there a list of foods u will never be able to eat again or do u go back to normal after a few wks?my weakness is soda(I know lots of acid)
There are foods you will need to stay away from as you heal, and in the early months to first year. As time progresses, you'll be able to tolerate many of them. I didn't drink any soda for at least a year, but I can drink it now (5yrs post op) without much trouble. Generally I can burp out the additional gas from carbonation. I have no problem with beer, either. Champagne is too carbonated for me. I still never use a straw.
I'd say going back to some foods will take longer than a few weeks. This recovery takes 6 months for most of the healing, and a year for the rest. Some people just let soda get a little flat, and then can manage it even earlier on. It's trial and error. In the beginning you'll have some wrap swelling, which makes it even harder to get the gas out, so it's not recommended at all.
3)I take care of disabled kids and do a lot of lifing is that gonna be out of the question for months? I have read conflicting things on this...
During the first 6 weeks most surgeons limit lifting dramatically. This is an issue you'll have to discuss with your surgeon. I have grandkids and I do plenty of lifting of them but the oldest is three and a half. I'm not sure of the time frame and limitations for lifting on the job. Bring a list of questions with you when you talk to the surgeon.
4)does that tightening feeling after surgery cause u to feel like you cant breathe? I tolerate pain pretty well but cant stand feeling like I cant breathe...
No, not at all. In fact, with the amount of acid reflux you're describing, you're more likely to have breathing issues due to reflux! There is no "tightening feeling" after surgery, once the swelling is resolved and reduced.
5)my doctor has said the surgery may not help all my symptoms or it could...what has everyones experience been?
It depends on the symptoms. First, remember that your surgeon will only be working to create "normal" amounts of reflux, like what people who don't have GERD experience. Everyone gets reflux once in a while--just not enough to create the types of problems you're struggling with. If your surgeon made the wrap tight enough to allow zero reflux, you wouldn't be able to swallow food and get it past the wrap.
The majority of people either have all their symptoms resolved, or the majority of them, and the improvement they experience is significant. If you've been through all the testing and it's determined that you're a good candidate for the surgery, you can expect to have enough improvement that you'll be very happy with the results.
If you're getting nighttime regurgitation, you'll find immediate improvement.
6)and any aftercare advice, like foods/liquids to have handy etc...thank u all for reading this..i am so looking forward to getting a decent nights sleep
This is something to ask your surgeon. Mine had me on liquids the day I was in the hospital, and soft foods coming home. I was on soft foods until Day 6, when he allowed me to eat "anything that can be chewed to a liquid", but did say no steak or untoasted bread. I chew, chew, chewed my food, and only swallowed things that basically disappeared in my mouth. Your surgeon will tell you what food requirements he/she will expect you to follow. It seems that there is a pretty big variety of eating protocols.
Generally it is a good idea to get some liquid Tylenol in for when you no longer need the pain medication you're given by the doctor. Have a comfortable place to lie down, keeping in mind that elevating the head of your bed/chair can make sleeping a bit more comfortable in the beginning. Have someone at home to help you in the beginning.
It's important to research your selection of a Nissen surgeon. This surgery is an art form, and it takes lots of experience and practice. In a small city 300+ successful surgeries should be fine, and in a larger city, 1000+ is what you should expect.
Glad you've joined the forum!
Best wishes,
Denise