Post-Nissen Fundoplication Problems: What helps?

Well wishes where are you located. Hope not Utah. Go slow liquids soft food. Baby steps. Don’t lift I wish I would of know that. Speedy get well.

So sorry this has been so terrible for you.

I had mine nearly 7 years ago and it has been a very good thing. My body produces excess stomach acid whether I eat or not, and it was destroying my esophagus. I definitely have to be more mindful of what I eat, and when (all explained to me prior to surgery). I sleep well, no longer need propping up, or antacids, and my esophagus is much better for it. For your nightime bloating you may want to sip on Inflammation Relief made by Loose Leaf Tea in Scottsdale, Az (they ship). I keep it on hand when I eat something that I shouldn't have and it works in minutes. I was blessed with an excellent surgeon who took time to review pros and cons and provided a detailed dietary recommendation. Hope this helps.

Hi I know this is late and you probably won’t see this but I have searched the web for days trying to find someone else with this problem. It is exactly as you describe for me to..exact same issue. The crazy part about it it is so hard to describe. I can’t wrap my mind around why it happens. And it is exactly 4 hours after laying down. I came to the conclusion jt was gas aswell. Just tried gas-x and it helped the first night but the next night it did not. Did you ever find a solution? Did you find out why it happens? ANY feedback will help please let me know. So far I have decided not eating 5 hours before bed seems to be possible solution. This is dire for me I will even leave my number to text because it effects my sleep which is driving me insane lol 4174592882

I had the Nissen fundoplication nine days ago. So far, it’s a failure. Here are the symptoms I’ve recorded:

Day 1 (surgery)
-substantial sour acid in mouth started when I woke up post-surgery
-burping/gurgling in upper esophagus up to throat started
-white tongue started
Day 2
-bloated/not hungry started
Day 3
-hoarseness started
-dry mouth started
-throat clearing started
Day 4
-gas/bubbling in stomach started
-minor chest discomfort
Day 6
- almost completely hoarse/mute
-sore throat started
Day 7
-infrequent hiccups started

On day 7, I met the surgeon and discussed (though I could barely talk) my symptoms. recommended I take peppermint and Famotodine at night. The peppermint was supposed to help if I was suffering from esophageal spasms. If that didn’t work, the surgeon said he would put me on a calcium channel blockers.

Today is day 9. I’m still suffering from substantial reflux. I took one drop of peppermint oil and an hour later the reflux seemed to worsen. I took Famotodine to no avail. I took a bunch of tums, nothing. At this point I’m about to take PPIs because the reflux is unbearable.

Of note, pre-op, I didn’t have an esophageal manometry study. The surgeon said he usually doesn’t recommend them for patients because they are extremely uncomfortable for the patient. I had the barium swallow, endoscopy, and 48 hour pH monitor. The ph monitor verified the GERD, and the endoscopy showed minor gastritis. I was also diagnosed with GERD off a 24 hour monitor 15 years ago (been on PPIs off and on since then).

Is it possible the surgical procedure was performed incorrectly? Is it too loose? I’ve had no issue with swallowing or eating. I’ve been playing it safe with my diet, and am currently at the soft diet stage (oatmeal, chunky mashed potatoes, sashimi, etc) with no issues. I do get full very easily, and my gag reflux isn’t present. I’ve lost nine pounds, and I’m a thin frame to begin with. My abdomen isn’t sore, except at the incision sites (minor). I see the surgeon again in two weeks. Frankly, I’m very upset, because the symptoms I’m having are actually worse than they were before I had the surgery. Any advice or insights would be appreciated!

@chris55x Hi and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear that you are having issues right after your surgery. I want to introduce you to @jeremywilsonsmp, @drinell59, @justann, @thielman100 and @ken82
I moved your post here so you can connect with these other other members.
Post-Nissen Fundoplication Problems
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-nissen-wrap-symptoms/?pg=7#comment-742506

Did your surgeon say that you could take PPIs after the surgery?

@jeremywilsonsmp
I had similar experience in 2015 here in Central Iowa at my local clinic _hospital.. I was hospitalized 9 days.. lost weight (nearly 50 pounds) in 2 months when my appointment with Mayo MN came through.. the GI section there found the problem in a day.. 3 tests.. first was the timed standard breakfast .. my GI doc there said that 1 in 6 Nissen surgeries FAIL.. Mayo gave me a way to cope.. I struggle to keep weight.. I've gained 20-25 pounds back.. eating small..very slow..sweet..fat.. .. the way you eat now is the key.. I have to never lay down flat..sleep on a wedge.. stay vertical sitting or standing for 2 hours after eating.. but I try to eat something every time through the kitchen.. nuts, crisp things.. no soft bread.. no just leafy vegs..except the stalks of romaine.. veg and fruit smoothies are the best..

@jeremywilsonsmp
The result of the failed Nissen was "post-operatve gastropanesis.." some nerves around the stomach were damaged.. they do not regenerate.. so I have to rely some on gravity to empty the stomach.. so sauces.. small pieces .. liquidfy..all help stomach process easier..

No- he did not want to start PPIs because he wanted to rule out esophageal spasms. But the acid is too much- I’m going to need to restart them

That’s horrible, I’m sorry to hear. I read post-operative gastroparesis usually resolves on its own, or can be helped with medication? I sure hope that’s not what I have- I’ll try to get some tests for it