New Problems after Nissen Fundoplication

[jpforan]

Had Lap.Niss.Fundo in Feb of 99.  Prior to that had GERD for many years, Prilosec did fair job of treating it.  Ever since surgery, am lactose intolerant (I used to have 3 bowls of cereal/morning), when I drink alcohol or eat spicy foods, I get pressure/bloating/discomfort that prevent me from talking or breathing, I can no longer eat yogurt (I used to have it every day) and I 'bonk' easily (become dizzy, get the shakes if I get dehydrated or don't eat before exercise, condition excacerbated by caffeine), PLUS all the other stuff expected with the wrap being tight (I cannot drink anything carbonated and am extremely flatulent) and my stomach capacity is a great deal less (I lost over 50 lbs of excess weight simply because I couldn't eat as much - a good thing, but still not pleasant).

I'm really frustrated.  GERD was no fun, but was manageable.  I have traded one set of problems for another, and this set is more restrictive.  Can anyone help me?

Help is appreciated.

[k1277]

A related discussion, comment was started.

[fundaplacation62]

A related discussion, for Bloat22 was started.

[tallvesl99]

A related discussion, question about nissen was started.

[seb819]

I had the full surgery when I was 2 months old(about 20 years ago).  But my reflux was so bad that it would make me stop breathing, so there was no other solution. But during the past 2 or so years I have had a reoccurrence of reflux problems. My doctor treated me for an ulcer and I am on a new stomach medication every few months b/c it seems as though I have become immuned to the previous one. I also have achondroplasia dwarfism, so I have had over 15 surgeries in my 20 years of life. But my question is "Is it common to have reoccurrences over a 20 year period since the surgery, or is this a whole other problem?"

[VonnieNaz]

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[wrkingrl]

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[MJaneM]

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[Thir time no charm]

I had this surgery performed in May 00 laporoscopically, and the wrap came undone within months.  I had an open procedure performed in November 00, which ended up being a disaster and constricting my stomach.  In April 01, I had a third procedure performed.  While it did finally fix the relux, I am now lactose intolerant, and every meal is painful, as gas and bloating are now chronic.

I discovered that this is becoming such a common procedure that surgeons who are not fully qualified are performing it.  Don't get this procedure performed unless your pain is unbearable, stick with the pills, and alter your diet.  And make sure that the surgeon you go to is board certified, and specializes in a niseen wrap.  My first surgeon claimed to have performed the procedure successfully ten times, but based on comments from the last surgery, did not really know the procedure for performing the wrap at ALL!

As far as the infant goes, I would wait and see what happens.  My best friend's daughter had this problem as an infant, and it self-corrected around nine months of age.

[Bloat22]

I've just had Nissen Fundoplication surgery 2 days ago and after reading some of the messages left on this website I'm wondering if it was the right thing to do.  I experienced reflux at a very young age,I'm 32 now (male) but only in the last 2 years did my condition become severe.  I was taking 1 Losec (Omeprazole) 20mg tablet per day and this seemed to do the trick.  I only took up the option of surgery so I wouldn't need to be on medication for the rest of my life as I was told by my Doctor.  My condition was probably not as severe as some of the other people have described but just the same it was very uncomfortable having to wake 4 times during the night to try and force myself to vomit in order to reduce the reflux.  Like I said I've only had the op 2 days ago and yes I'm feeling quite bloated and feel like I have food lodged in my throat permanently but I was hoping that this would come to pass over the next 4-6 weeks.  On the positive side, I haven't experienced any reflux yet.  I'll keep you all posted.

Cheers,

Bloat22

[tmcl]

Does anyone out there have any experience with a partial wrap (watson's fundoplication)in children under 1 year old.
Our daughter has had severe reflux from birth but just recently (two weeks) she has not vomited at all, we are hoping to get in touch with as many people as possible to talk with who have experience with this procedure or the Nissin op. prior to Rosie going into hospital on the 15 of November.
Many thanks for your time.

[Baseball_Mom]

Just had an appointment with a new gastro doctor.  He thinks the reason why my heartburn has returned is because my Nissen Fundoplication has come undone. Does not recommend that I have this surgery repeated.  Highly recommended that I increase my Nexium to two capsules per day.  The point of this comment is no matter what your doctor has told you the Nissen Fundoplication procedure is not a cure all for everyone.  I had my surgery 6 years ago and had a really bad bronchitis attach. I managed to cough mine loose.  Just thought I'd forward this info to you. Best of luck!

[Buggirl]

I had the same surgery as you for Gerd.(last year)The heartburn is completely gone but I too suffer with extreme gas and bloating.I also cannot vomit(can you?)Sometimes I wish I would have never had the surgery.Maybe the wrap is to tight.The Dr. did inform me that I might not be able to throw up and it looks like he's right.(God forbid if I ever get food poisining)