Post-Nissen Fundoplication Problems: What helps?

Posted by nirolk @nirolk, Apr 29, 2018

<p>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?</p>

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

@gabigirl26

Thank you all for sharing your experiences. It is so frustrating to have gone through all of these surgeries and testing. It sounds like many have had issues after a Nissen. My barium swallow test came back normal and my endoscopy showed an ulcer. I go for gastric emptying next week and then I meet with my doctor again. No idea what will come of all of this. I started ulcer med last week but so far not feeling much difference. Still a lot of bloating and nausea with eating. Random sharp pains and same stuff I’ve been dealing with for a while now. The doc said it looked like my wrap was in tact but still wonder if it is too tight. Another thought I’m having is that maybe I’ve had so much done to my stomach that I’ve messed it up for good. :(. Has anyone else had other testing?

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
@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

Hi there,
I had two laparoscopic nissen fundoplications in 2015 due to chronic GERD.
I am experiencing all of the same symptoms as you described.
Been dilated quarterly due to chronic dysphasia and extreme gas bloat.
Have you spoke with a thoracic surgeon to see if the wrap can be undone?
This is something I am considering.

REPLY
@jackiem95

From the comments on this forum it sounds like almost no one has had much success with this procedure. But It must be quite common. Am wondering why.

Jump to this post

I had Nissen Fundoplication in March 2018. I am very pleased with the procedure, compared to the symptoms I was having prior. I do sometimes have digestive problems but are only about once every 6 weeks or so and nothing as drastic as the comments above. One thing I have learned is that eating too much sugar or carbs in one meal can trigger a very unpleasant reaction. Another thing I have noticed is that I do have more gas than I remember having prior to the procedure.

REPLY
@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

I had a Nissen in 2015 in Iowa...had all sorts of GI problems, Lost 50 pounds from 195, 5'10" male... Iowa could not figure out what was wrong...went to Mayo Minnesota..they diagnosed it in 3 tests over a few hours. Gastropaneisis...doc said my Nissen could not be undone as the problems would get worse.. He noted that 1 in 6 Nissens FAIL.. so living with it is the key..Gas, bloating, yes... vomiting. Occasionally... feeling as if food is caught somewhere and must be thrown up, sleeping tilted up so gravity does the stomach emptying...My friends say I am always grazing..eating small portions, no soft breads, no leafy greens unless chopped fine or blended.. no big pieces of anything except ice cream . I'm 82. It is a life changing event.. and few understand what you are going through ..I take the Nexium genaric, and Mirazapine.. to help me think I want to eat... feeling the best when the stomach is empty, like when you awaken, is not sustainable...Ken

REPLY
@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

I’m like @nms22 — very pleased with my Nissen fundiplication. And I know several other people who have also had great results following their Nissen procedure. One of my friends no longer has to take medication! I on the other hand will be taking prevacid forever because I have Barrett’s esophagus. Oh well.
I’m so so sorry for all of you who have had so much trouble following Nissen fundiplication.

REPLY
@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

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 ?

REPLY
@ken82

I had a Nissen in 2015 in Iowa...had all sorts of GI problems, Lost 50 pounds from 195, 5'10" male... Iowa could not figure out what was wrong...went to Mayo Minnesota..they diagnosed it in 3 tests over a few hours. Gastropaneisis...doc said my Nissen could not be undone as the problems would get worse.. He noted that 1 in 6 Nissens FAIL.. so living with it is the key..Gas, bloating, yes... vomiting. Occasionally... feeling as if food is caught somewhere and must be thrown up, sleeping tilted up so gravity does the stomach emptying...My friends say I am always grazing..eating small portions, no soft breads, no leafy greens unless chopped fine or blended.. no big pieces of anything except ice cream . I'm 82. It is a life changing event.. and few understand what you are going through ..I take the Nexium genaric, and Mirazapine.. to help me think I want to eat... feeling the best when the stomach is empty, like when you awaken, is not sustainable...Ken

Jump to this post

ken82 , I'm 55 year old male and had surgery 6 months ago and having allot same problems as you . My doctor says I have dumping syndrome ? Going back surgeon in a week , ugh. it is a life changing event ? Don't think I'll ever be normal again ? I definitely understand what your going thru ! Good luck to you .

REPLY
@faithann64

ken82 , I'm 55 year old male and had surgery 6 months ago and having allot same problems as you . My doctor says I have dumping syndrome ? Going back surgeon in a week , ugh. it is a life changing event ? Don't think I'll ever be normal again ? I definitely understand what your going thru ! Good luck to you .

Jump to this post

Hi Faithann64,
I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this nightmare. You have basically the same symptoms I had with the exception of constipation. Even though I had my wrap undone this year, I still suffer with constipation. My surgeon has put me on linzess, but it is not working too well. I'm fighting with my insurance company to get the highest dosage to see if it will give me some relief. I have hope that some day there will be a resolution for me, but until then, I'll continue to pray. I'll pray for you too.

REPLY
@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 ?

Jump to this post

@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.

REPLY
@fourof5zs

@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.

Jump to this post

Yes my next step is probiotics , and yes Doc is talking about gastric bypass ? I will read up on it . Thank you

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.