Post-Nissen fundoplication bowel and other problems: What helps?

Posted by nirolk @nirolk, Apr 29, 2018

I had a nissen wrap operation in 1999. I still have problems at night after about 4 hours of sleep. I've tried all kinds of drugs to help relieve the gas. Right now I am on 40 mg of pantoprazole in the morning before breakfast. Most of the time days are fine. I have problems being regular on bowl movements, so I have a high amt of gas from the meds I take to go number 2. At night is when I have real problems. Any kindred spirits out there?

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Profile picture for lceresi @lceresi

I had a nissen done 8-17-18 and felt great for 4 months but then reflux, chest pain and burning returned as it was pre-op. Anyone have problems with nissen? Anyone have it reversed?

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Hi I had one in 8/2000. I understand your pain. I also felt good for maybe up to 6 months and then I started to have gas build up in my chest and an acidic stomach. I meet with my surgeon next week to discus unwrapping the Nissen. I will keep you posted if I do the surgery. Hang in there and keep the faith.

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Profile picture for faithful55 @faithful55

I am posting my story to see if anyone else is experiencing the same symptoms that I have been experiencing after having a Nissen fundoplication.
In 1998, I had a hysterectomy. Three weeks after I started to vomit after eating a meal and had terrible migraines. I went to my doctor and he ordered blood work and I was told that I had h-pylori bacteria. I was put on high antibiotics. After taking the antibiotics the migraines stopped but the heaving continued off and on. In 1999, I had my gallbladder removed because I had a functional test that revealed that my gallbladder was not operating correctly and probably was the source of my vomiting. About six months after the gallbladder surgery, the vomiting returned. I went back to my doctor and he referred me to a surgeon who told me that I had classic GERD. In 2000, I had a Nissen fundoplication. Since then, I still would experience nausea but could not heave because of the wrap. During those times of nausea, I would have to ice myself down to reduce the dry heaves until my brain would tell my system to try the other way. I also was having an acidic stomach. To minimize the acid in my stomach, I was but on Zantac.
As the years progressed I have had episodes of extreme bloating and constipation, nausea, mind fogginess, acid reflux, extreme hot flashes, and rashes. Over almost 2 decades, I have seen numerous gastroenterologists and alternative medicine doctors. I have been put on acid reducers and medications to help with the constipation. One gastroenterologist even diagnosed me with gastroparesis. In 2017, I had a 4 hour stomach emptying test that revealed that I did not have gastroparesis. But from 2013 to 2017, I changed my diet to adjust my eating based on the diagnosis.
In 2016, I started getting colonics because I was experiencing constipation, fogginess, extreme hot flashes, fatigue, and weight gain. I stopped getting the colonics after a year. It was too much of a strain on my system.
In 2017, I had an endoscopic dilation. I had been experiencing constant bloating and extreme hot flashes. To me, my hot flashes were coming from the laboring of my digestive system to digest the food and also when I would get stressed. After the dilation, I had to cut out a lot of foods that were high fiber and gaseous. I used to be able to drink tea, but tea gases my system. I cannot eat chips or anything that has a high salt content because at times it upsets my stomach and makes my face feel like it is crawling and I would break out. I eat small meals these days because it takes too long for my system to digest a meal. I have to take MiraLax and Citrucel every night to keep my system running. I try to monitor my weight to make sure that I am not putting on weight because for me it signals that the food is not passing and is sitting in my colon.
As I am getting older, the Nissen is causing more problems for me. I saw my most recent Gastro doctor last week and told him that I wanted to get the wrap undone. I would appreciate it if anyone has had a similar experience as I have and share with me what they have done or are doing to remedy their situation.

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Thank you for your compassion and info. I believe that I had the Esophagus test done in the early part of my journey. I believe this is the test that they insert a tube up your nose into your esophagus to determine acid reflux, correct? That test came back negative. With respect to Gastroparesis, I was tested twice for 2 hours and once for 4 hours. The first time that I had it , I believe it came back negative and I was diagnosed with IBS. The second time, truly I believe that the doctor didn't know what my problem was and said gastroparesis. She told me to buy the book on gastroparesis and learn how to live with it. This was the same doctor that prescribed the 4 hour test that resulted in the test being negative. The gastro doctor that I have now has stated that I have an upper and lower digestive problem. He asked me if I could live with it and I told him no. My stomach is constantly filled with air with an extended stomach despite the elimination of gaseous foods. Thanks again and may God bless you and keep you as only He can.

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Profile picture for ken82 @ken82

@faithann64 .. I'm not sure where you live but Mayo Minnesota saved my quality of life.. One in six Nissens fail, some like mine cannot be reversed without major problems... A great GI department.

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Live in Florida, thinking about going Mayo Clinic here ????

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Profile picture for faithful55 @faithful55

I am posting my story to see if anyone else is experiencing the same symptoms that I have been experiencing after having a Nissen fundoplication.
In 1998, I had a hysterectomy. Three weeks after I started to vomit after eating a meal and had terrible migraines. I went to my doctor and he ordered blood work and I was told that I had h-pylori bacteria. I was put on high antibiotics. After taking the antibiotics the migraines stopped but the heaving continued off and on. In 1999, I had my gallbladder removed because I had a functional test that revealed that my gallbladder was not operating correctly and probably was the source of my vomiting. About six months after the gallbladder surgery, the vomiting returned. I went back to my doctor and he referred me to a surgeon who told me that I had classic GERD. In 2000, I had a Nissen fundoplication. Since then, I still would experience nausea but could not heave because of the wrap. During those times of nausea, I would have to ice myself down to reduce the dry heaves until my brain would tell my system to try the other way. I also was having an acidic stomach. To minimize the acid in my stomach, I was but on Zantac.
As the years progressed I have had episodes of extreme bloating and constipation, nausea, mind fogginess, acid reflux, extreme hot flashes, and rashes. Over almost 2 decades, I have seen numerous gastroenterologists and alternative medicine doctors. I have been put on acid reducers and medications to help with the constipation. One gastroenterologist even diagnosed me with gastroparesis. In 2017, I had a 4 hour stomach emptying test that revealed that I did not have gastroparesis. But from 2013 to 2017, I changed my diet to adjust my eating based on the diagnosis.
In 2016, I started getting colonics because I was experiencing constipation, fogginess, extreme hot flashes, fatigue, and weight gain. I stopped getting the colonics after a year. It was too much of a strain on my system.
In 2017, I had an endoscopic dilation. I had been experiencing constant bloating and extreme hot flashes. To me, my hot flashes were coming from the laboring of my digestive system to digest the food and also when I would get stressed. After the dilation, I had to cut out a lot of foods that were high fiber and gaseous. I used to be able to drink tea, but tea gases my system. I cannot eat chips or anything that has a high salt content because at times it upsets my stomach and makes my face feel like it is crawling and I would break out. I eat small meals these days because it takes too long for my system to digest a meal. I have to take MiraLax and Citrucel every night to keep my system running. I try to monitor my weight to make sure that I am not putting on weight because for me it signals that the food is not passing and is sitting in my colon.
As I am getting older, the Nissen is causing more problems for me. I saw my most recent Gastro doctor last week and told him that I wanted to get the wrap undone. I would appreciate it if anyone has had a similar experience as I have and share with me what they have done or are doing to remedy their situation.

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I live in a small town in North Dakota and I was wondering how you go about finding the functional medicine doctor that your talking about?

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Profile picture for marilyn934 @marilyn934

please be sure to see a functional medicine doctor. They will take many tests to get to the root cause. Frequently it is related to leaky gut syndrome. Heal your gut and it resolves many issues

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Mayo warned me that my Nissen could not be reversed without much worse conditions. "Functional Medicine Doctors" are often Chiropractic type. Who are not admitted to practice in most accredited Hospitals and Clinics.

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Profile picture for faithful55 @faithful55

Hi gabigirl26,
I had my Nissen undone last week. Even though I had a difficult time with the anesthesia, I have no doubt that I made the right decision. I am recovering now and waiting for the swelling and gas to move out of my system. I have been suffering with bloating, constipation, light headedness and nausea for 19 years and truly do not believe that the doctor had the right diagnosis and treated the symptoms but did not have the root cause. This now gives me an opportunity if the initial symptoms return to seek a physician that will try to discover the cause. It can only get better going forth. I'm thankful for everyone sharing their experiences and pray that they will also find the root cause as well as you. Blessings to you.

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please be sure to see a functional medicine doctor. They will take many tests to get to the root cause. Frequently it is related to leaky gut syndrome. Heal your gut and it resolves many issues

REPLY
Profile picture for faithful55 @faithful55

I am posting my story to see if anyone else is experiencing the same symptoms that I have been experiencing after having a Nissen fundoplication.
In 1998, I had a hysterectomy. Three weeks after I started to vomit after eating a meal and had terrible migraines. I went to my doctor and he ordered blood work and I was told that I had h-pylori bacteria. I was put on high antibiotics. After taking the antibiotics the migraines stopped but the heaving continued off and on. In 1999, I had my gallbladder removed because I had a functional test that revealed that my gallbladder was not operating correctly and probably was the source of my vomiting. About six months after the gallbladder surgery, the vomiting returned. I went back to my doctor and he referred me to a surgeon who told me that I had classic GERD. In 2000, I had a Nissen fundoplication. Since then, I still would experience nausea but could not heave because of the wrap. During those times of nausea, I would have to ice myself down to reduce the dry heaves until my brain would tell my system to try the other way. I also was having an acidic stomach. To minimize the acid in my stomach, I was but on Zantac.
As the years progressed I have had episodes of extreme bloating and constipation, nausea, mind fogginess, acid reflux, extreme hot flashes, and rashes. Over almost 2 decades, I have seen numerous gastroenterologists and alternative medicine doctors. I have been put on acid reducers and medications to help with the constipation. One gastroenterologist even diagnosed me with gastroparesis. In 2017, I had a 4 hour stomach emptying test that revealed that I did not have gastroparesis. But from 2013 to 2017, I changed my diet to adjust my eating based on the diagnosis.
In 2016, I started getting colonics because I was experiencing constipation, fogginess, extreme hot flashes, fatigue, and weight gain. I stopped getting the colonics after a year. It was too much of a strain on my system.
In 2017, I had an endoscopic dilation. I had been experiencing constant bloating and extreme hot flashes. To me, my hot flashes were coming from the laboring of my digestive system to digest the food and also when I would get stressed. After the dilation, I had to cut out a lot of foods that were high fiber and gaseous. I used to be able to drink tea, but tea gases my system. I cannot eat chips or anything that has a high salt content because at times it upsets my stomach and makes my face feel like it is crawling and I would break out. I eat small meals these days because it takes too long for my system to digest a meal. I have to take MiraLax and Citrucel every night to keep my system running. I try to monitor my weight to make sure that I am not putting on weight because for me it signals that the food is not passing and is sitting in my colon.
As I am getting older, the Nissen is causing more problems for me. I saw my most recent Gastro doctor last week and told him that I wanted to get the wrap undone. I would appreciate it if anyone has had a similar experience as I have and share with me what they have done or are doing to remedy their situation.

Jump to this post

First get a referral from your local Primary care physician.. check out the schedule of various GI physicians who may be at the Jacksonville, FL during the winter... It's a wonderful campus of buildings.. make a first appointment and make sure your local records are available to Mayo JAX. Mayo records are on an Epic system as are most leading Hospitals and Clinics..

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Profile picture for faithann64 @faithann64

Live in Florida, thinking about going Mayo Clinic here ????

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@faithann64 Dr Bowers at Florida Mayo did my gastric bypass to fix giant hiatal hernia. He is excellent. I now see NP Lois Hemminger and Dr Francis for checkups. I have only seen them twice since my surgery in 2015, but am pleased with them.

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Profile picture for faithful55 @faithful55

I am posting my story to see if anyone else is experiencing the same symptoms that I have been experiencing after having a Nissen fundoplication.
In 1998, I had a hysterectomy. Three weeks after I started to vomit after eating a meal and had terrible migraines. I went to my doctor and he ordered blood work and I was told that I had h-pylori bacteria. I was put on high antibiotics. After taking the antibiotics the migraines stopped but the heaving continued off and on. In 1999, I had my gallbladder removed because I had a functional test that revealed that my gallbladder was not operating correctly and probably was the source of my vomiting. About six months after the gallbladder surgery, the vomiting returned. I went back to my doctor and he referred me to a surgeon who told me that I had classic GERD. In 2000, I had a Nissen fundoplication. Since then, I still would experience nausea but could not heave because of the wrap. During those times of nausea, I would have to ice myself down to reduce the dry heaves until my brain would tell my system to try the other way. I also was having an acidic stomach. To minimize the acid in my stomach, I was but on Zantac.
As the years progressed I have had episodes of extreme bloating and constipation, nausea, mind fogginess, acid reflux, extreme hot flashes, and rashes. Over almost 2 decades, I have seen numerous gastroenterologists and alternative medicine doctors. I have been put on acid reducers and medications to help with the constipation. One gastroenterologist even diagnosed me with gastroparesis. In 2017, I had a 4 hour stomach emptying test that revealed that I did not have gastroparesis. But from 2013 to 2017, I changed my diet to adjust my eating based on the diagnosis.
In 2016, I started getting colonics because I was experiencing constipation, fogginess, extreme hot flashes, fatigue, and weight gain. I stopped getting the colonics after a year. It was too much of a strain on my system.
In 2017, I had an endoscopic dilation. I had been experiencing constant bloating and extreme hot flashes. To me, my hot flashes were coming from the laboring of my digestive system to digest the food and also when I would get stressed. After the dilation, I had to cut out a lot of foods that were high fiber and gaseous. I used to be able to drink tea, but tea gases my system. I cannot eat chips or anything that has a high salt content because at times it upsets my stomach and makes my face feel like it is crawling and I would break out. I eat small meals these days because it takes too long for my system to digest a meal. I have to take MiraLax and Citrucel every night to keep my system running. I try to monitor my weight to make sure that I am not putting on weight because for me it signals that the food is not passing and is sitting in my colon.
As I am getting older, the Nissen is causing more problems for me. I saw my most recent Gastro doctor last week and told him that I wanted to get the wrap undone. I would appreciate it if anyone has had a similar experience as I have and share with me what they have done or are doing to remedy their situation.

Jump to this post

Your narrative is so similar to my experience... But 40 pounds is too much.. your choice your health take control and get the best help available.

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Profile picture for faithann64 @faithann64

I had Nissen Fundoplication & Hiatal Hernia surgery 6 months ago . I've had nothing but problems ! Been in and out of hospital, seen surgeon 2 times and said it takes up to a year for everything to settle down , ugh . Ridiculous, ,, I have another appt coming up in week . My primary doc thinks I have dumping syndrome, I have allot stomach pain all the time , bloating, nausea, diarrhea, hot sweats, cramping and feels like I want to vomit all the time pretty much. When i do eat it basically runs straight thru me within 10 minutes ? Since the surgery 6 months ago I've lost 40 pounds. My primary doc has me back on liquid diet again ????? I wished I hadn't had it done, I suffered with acid reflux and allot stomach issues and the surgery was supposed to fix allot of it ? My Doc thinks I'm going to need gastric bypass ! Really don't want it . Guess I'll wait and see what Surgeon has to say ?

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@faithann64 Try a probiotic. I had dumping syndrome after a Nissen... I had gallbladder out at same time. It was awful. I tried several different probiotics and none worked until I tried Align that my husband's cousin recommended. Yogurt such as Activia can help. There are a few other probiotic foods.. just search for them. Stay away from greasy foods, cut down on sweets. Keep a journal of your symptoms.. what triggers or makes them worse.

I eventually had to have a gastric bypass. It has side effects too. Read up on it as much as you can before deciding to have one and write down questions to ask your doctors. Dr Bowers at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Fl did mine... he is pretty awesome i my book. I had a giant hiatal hernia that caused my problems.

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