Nissen Fundoplication and singing

[billf60]

I am debating on having the Nissen Fundoplication.  I went through all of the tests and have had heartburn and GERD for over 10 years.  I sing professionally and I am concerned that the surgery will impact my ability to sing.  Any singers out there that have already had this procedure?

[selmaS]

Thanks for sharing this info and ur experience.

"selma"

[Mia726]

I wish there were more comments on this subject as I am interested in other's opinions and/or experiences on this as well.  I am a singer and did have this procedure done almost 2 months ago.  Of course, right after the surgery, you won't want to sing, but I have noticed that when I try singing several songs, I experience bloat.  My thinking is that it is the result of too much air-intake when working the diaphragm (for those that do not sing thru their nose...).  I am still a little worried about my vibrato, I still notice it, but find it a little harder to achieve and lastly, I don't think that I hit perfect pitch anymore.

Prior to the surgery, I have had acid reflux since 2001...at least that is when I was finally diagnosed.  I had no idea that I even had the problem as I was doing this in my sleep.  It wasn't until 2 weeks before I was due to go into the studio to record that I completely lost my voice for over a week....An ENT finally diagnosed me and put me on Prilosec.  I stayed on that for a couple of years and then switched to Nexium for about 8 more years. I just had the surgery July 1st, 2009 and do not regret the decision.  The meds were causing me significant weight gain over the years.  There have been studies on the effects of these meds and weight gain, you can google those online. For a few months before the surgery, I was having to sleep upright in the bed because the meds were just not working for me anymore.  In a couple of instances, I had the acid get into my lungs which would result in hours of coughing fits to clear the lungs (try that at 3am knowing you have to work the next day!).  This can be very dangerous and result in damage to the lungs.

Since the surgery, I've lost almost 20 pounds.  Some side effects that I have noticed is that I cannot belch and some foods make me more bloated than others.  You will want to stay away from "gooey" foods like peanut butter for example.  A PB&J might not go down the throat as easily as before...I noticed that my throat felt more constricted after eating this and I experienced bloat due to it.

You should let your doctor know that you sing professionally and discuss with him/her what the results might be.  My surgeon was one of the best in my state (NC) and I would recommend him to anyone.  Sometimes you get better results when you deal with a top-notch surgeon as I have read about some nightmares online concerning the after-effects of the surgery.


Good luck and hope to hear back on how things go if you elect to have the surgery.

Mia

[Melon7492]

Hi,

I had the surgery about 2 years ago.  I wish I never did it.  Although it did help with the heartburn and GERD it has ruined my life.  I have so many side effects such as gas, bloating, and weight loss.  There are many days when I can't even leave my house because I am so uncomfortable.  I was 102 pounds when I had the surgery and now I am down to 85 pounds.  I have always been tiny but this *****.  I am afraid to overeat or eat around other people because I don't know how sick I will feel after.  The doctor said I have IBS and he has given me some medicine.  It has helped but I can't stop losing weight.

Melon

[selmaS]

HI...I believe we discussed this b4 and since I have not had the proceedure I was hoping that a member that had it would respond.

I am responding to bump u up and that way it will not get missed.

I pray u find ur answers....choosing to have or not have surgery is not an easy one.

Good luck
"selma"