Fundoplication in 4 Days and Scared to Death

[kimeric]

I am scheduled for Toupet Fundoplication in four days.  I am very grateful to have found this site as I don't find there is much out there.  I know I will feel better once I have the surgery done but in the meantime, the anxiety is really getting to me.  I'm not sure what to expect immediately after the surgery.  How is surgical pain?  How long will I have to stay in the hospital?  How long will I have to be on a liquid diet?  Blah blah blah!  I have had very little information given to me in terms of immediately post-op and I'm sure that why I am so anxious right now.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Flycaster305]

Sorry you had some pain, but glad to learn you are feeling better.  Go as easy as you can eating is my advice, and blending low-fiber foods is an excellent idea.  Keep us informed of your progress.

[kimeric]

Had the fundoplication on Tuesday (March 4).  Unfortunately, I did find it extremely painful.  I can usually tolerate pain but that was a little too much for me.  The second day, I developed a pneumonia so that added to the discomfort.  The third day post-op, I was able to stop using the painkillers.  The incisions are no longer very sore.  The fourth day, the bloating slowly started going down.  Thank goodness because I looked seven months pregnant!  I am able to eat soups, eggs, pasta, all well blended first.  Today, is day five.  Today is better than yesterday and I hope that will be the trend from now on!  

[kimeric]

Thank you very much Flycaster for your reply.  I had many questions about the diet post-op and you summed it up quite well.  On my way to Costco to stock up on the broth and Ensure. :)

[Flycaster305]

I had a Nissen Fundoplication which is, from what I know, the same procedure except the extent of the wrap.

I had the procedure about five years ago, and it was a complete success.  To this day I haven't needed any medication for GERD symptoms.  That said, I followed recovery directions as close as I could.  Your doctor or hospital dietitian should give you a week by week diet prescription.  If not, insist on it.  That said, I ate no solid food at all for quite a while, and had cool broth, and Ensure, etc. for about a week.  I gradually mixed in foods like chicken noodle soup with very small chicken chunks, and didn't really eat any solid food for three weeks, and started mixing in a little tuna fish, rice, etc., and then added fish like salmon, halibut, cod.  After about six weeks I started adding baked chicken.  My wife doesn't eat red meat, which means I don't either.
I do know some milk products, whole wheat bread, and other products that can and do create gas just has to be avoided.  You probably will have trouble burping, and I'd avoid those foods that create gas.  In my opinion, I'd stock up on Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup, Ensure, and Yogurt unless you have any allergies.  I craved ice water to cool my throat.  To be honest, it isn't an easy first week.  Also, talk to your doctor, but Beano and Immodium were my best friends the first week.
I had very little surgical pain except for discomfort internally for a while.  I'd go forward with great confidence, but be prepared to lose about 10 pounds and know you are going to be uncomfortable for a couple of weeks.  Know the success rate is about 90%, those are great odds.  Keep us informed.