Nissen Fundo, I need some advice

[BDH25]

I am scheduled for a Nissen Fundo in about a month, and need some advice. I am reading all of the posts regarding this surgery and I am scared out of my mind. I just dont know if i am making the right decision in having this surgery due to all of the horror stories. Did anyone have a successful surgery? Is anyone side effect free? Or are the side effects just what comes along with this? Can anybody help calm my nerves about this??

Thanks

[Ak_she_lo]

I had the partial wrap nissen fundo exactly 3 weeks ago today.  I feel MUCH better----of course, there are the post-op side effects, however, depending on how you feel pre-surgery, you have to weight the pros and cons.  
I have no heartburd/GERD symptoms.  Prior to surgery, I had many throat issues, feeling like food was stuck in there, like I was choking.  

At 3 weeks post-op, I can eat pretty good, I have had VERY itty bitty bites of some bread products (they say bread is the worst/hardest to eat after fundo, i think because it 'gums' up so bad).  I have had bites of cookies, brownies, and biscuits.
I also eat salads, chicken (breast grilled AND breaded fried chicken).  Basically, I can eat lots more now than before.  I left hosp on a VERY soft diet and stuck to broths and chicken soup.  I was worried about choking.  Some surgeons have you stay on liquid diet for 2 weeks post op, but mine said as long as I took very small bites, chewed really well, and felt comfortable, that i could do soft diet.  It has worked for me.  There have been times when I am SOOOOOO hungry and am eating food that I haven't been able to eat in forever (green chili enchiladas) that begin eating fast and I feel that it is 'backing up' in my esphagus, but I just slow down, sit up straight (or stand) and put your arms over your head (it helps naturally open up teh wrap) and wait a few minutes and it has gone down.  I don't regret it, and it seems that every day I notice the side effects less and less.  I have lost 9 lbs, which is great!  =)  

I, too, read the horror stories of Nissen.  It's like every other procedure out there---not a cure all for everyone (just like medicine!).  I also think that the surgeon who does it is a MAJOR factor in the skilled wrap.  My surgeon is board certified and took every pre-caution prior to prescribing surgery.  He is one of the 'pioneers' of the laproscopic fundo and has done over thousands of them.  

I have to agree w/a previous post somewhere on here that I believe most people tend to look online for answers and do the posts when they are having symptoms (if you feel fine, why would you return to medhelp post?).  So, you hear more about the negative experiences than the positive ones.  =)
I would just weigh out every option and really research your surgeon (maybe he/she could put you in contact with other's he has operated on???).  I have an uncle who had the surgery (in his 50's) and his went well, also.  He has same surgeon as I did.  I am 32yr old female, no hx of health complications.

Hope this helps and maybe puts a new light on it?  Only reason I'm on here now is to find out how long they recommend before you begin eating cereal, I'm hungry!  =)   Good luck to you!  S.

[lin2112]

I had a Nissen fundo in 2001 and since that time I am unable to eat.  I developed post-surgical gastroparesis and am now on a feeding tube.  

It did not work for me and that was the day my life changed forever.  

I would research and also talk to your surgeon about the side effects.  I also know people who have had it done and are just fine.  

I had a scope done on friday and now have esophagitis again.  Can't figure that one out if my Nissen is intact like the report stated.