Paraesophageal Hernia and Surgery Scheduled for January 15th

Hi Chuck,

Welcome to Healing Well! It sounds as if you've gotten great medical care, and have selected the right surgeon, which is the most important piece of the surgical puzzle.

I'd never heard of Collis Besley. I looked online to see if I could find information, and here's a link to an explanation, for those reading this who, like me, are clueless:
www.hon.ch/OESO/free/Vol_5_Eso_Junction/Articles/art243.html

It sounds as if you have a short esophagus, as that seems to be the reason it's done. We have several members here who've had paraesophageal hernias, so I'm sure they can provide you with some great information.

Here's a link to my early recovery journal, so you can get an idea of one person's experience post-op. I had reflux-exacerbated asthma, which is why I needed the surgery, so just ignore those references.
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

Here is some information about early eating requirements. I expect your surgeon will have his own information, but this will give you a ballpark idea. Also, keep in mind that with your specific surgical requirements/issues, your experience and eating expectations in the early weeks may vary from the "average".
www.oregonsurgical.com/patient_prep_gerd.htm

If you get into some "Dumping" issues, which is common during recovery from stomach surgery, here's information about a diet that can help:
gicare.com/diets/anti-dumping-post-gastrectomy-diet/

Keep in mind that the early weeks of recovery are challenging, so don't get discouraged. Your wrap will become increasingly more swollen over the first two weeks, then once peak swelling is reached, will diminish, and you'll be on your way.

If you can surrender to your recovery and follow its lead, you'll do fine. Give your body permission to heal in its own sweet time! Go with the flow...

I expect another member will be by to provide you with support and information soon. It's a busy time of year, so don't be discouraged if you don't hear from someone right away. Just post on your thread, and it will pop to the top of the list.

Glad you've joined the forum!

Best wishes,
Denise

Hi, Big Chuck.

Sorry you had to find us. If you go to the search box at the top of the page you can look at some threads from others who've had either Collis or Belsey procedures. You might want to read their experiences.

I had a giant paraesophageal hiatal hernia, but fortunately didn't need the gastroplasty. My surgeons were able to let down (cut loose) enough of my esophagus to keep the wrap below the diaphragm. I had a partial wrap - Toupet - like a Belsey, just wrapped the other way around.

Frankly, if this were my surgeon, I'd ask more questions and maybe even get a second opinion for information, since he's planning on the gastroplasty and maybe going in through your ribs. My roommate in the hospital had a procedure through the ribs and was in worse shape than I was. I had a 4 1/2 hour surgery and was in for 4 days. I'm no doctor, and since your surgeon is well-respected, you probably need it. It can be life-threatening having the stomach up in the chest.

Forget your diet preferences for now. Stock up on liquids and very soft foods. You won't be driving for a while. I needed those foods for a couple of months. Look up some of the post-fundoplication diets online. There are lots of threads and discussions right on this forum.

Hi Chuck,
It is very individual. Much of it depends on the type of wrap you get and the extensiveness of the surgery, or any complications. Those kinds of things might require that you are on liquids longer.

In my case I was on liquids in the hospital, and then sent home and soft foods. On Day six, my surgeon set me free to eat anything that could be chewed to a liquid. I took small bites, and chew, chew, chewed my food until it was pretty much gone. He told me to stay away from bread, sandwiches, steak. I had no problem with that protocol.

In the beginning you're swallowing will be very dicey, and you want to be careful what you eat. The first couple weeks are not much fun, but once you're swelling reaches peak, and then subsides, things will go much easier.

The forum is a great place to get information, so keep asking questions! Everyone has a bit of a different experience, so listen to what everyone says, and then see what fits your situation.

Best wishes,
Denise

I went home still on clear liquids after 4 days in hospital. A couple of days later I was allowed "full" liquids, meaning milk was allowed. I didn't get on soft diet for a few more days, and I stayed on soft for a very long time.

However, as I said before, I had the GPEH with 4 1/2 hour surgery to pull the stomach and some esophagus down. I also had a very weak swallow to begin with, due to polio. I still have the weak swallow, but it has nothing to do with the surgery. I never could, and still can't, swallow large pills or dry tablets.

A secret to swallowing dry tablets is to butter them. They taste really good too!

I've gotten a few seconds for other things. Nothing wrong with it. Lots of times it helps you feel more assured with the decision you've made. You don't have to see another surgeon. You could take your records to your regular gastroenterologist. He doesn't do surgery, but he certainly knows a lot about it.

Get a copy of your medical records and test results. They can be very handy later, even if you don't get a second opinion.