Post-Nissen Fundoplication Bowel, Etc., Problems: What helps?

@lisalucier Hi Lisa, thank you so much for your concern and help navigating to a better forum. Thus far, now 5 years since fundoplication, she has not taken any medication. The first few years it was diarrhea and she took nothing for that. But this last year her issue flipped to constipation, which is weird in and of itself, and she does take a lot of laxatives and stool softeners. She relies on them because if she doesn't completely eliminate everything she can very easily get migraines but that's a whole other issue. She is 110 lbs and is a light eater. She's aware of fodmap and tries to at least select foods that might be easier but hasn't really been able to figure out what does work. Something that worked before might not work next time. Very confusing, I think protein seems to be the only thing for sure that she can eat without problems. Anyways, not to confuse you but I've brought my wife, Kim in on this so that she can take over the forum feed. I just started this to help her out. Thank you again for reposting. It's nice to know there people out there like you who take the time to reach out and help. Again, thanks!

@ppenoyar - that's good that Kim will be participating and getting firsthand information. As you likely noticed, we have both patients and caregivers who are members on this site, looking to help themselves or a loved one. It's all great.

If you and Kim get a chance, you might check out this support group which may be of interest to her and includes members who have every kind of headache and migraine imaginable:

- Headache & Migraine Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/headache-migraine/

Has she figured out why protein seems to work without any problems, if other foods can lead to issues?

@lisalucier
Thanks Lisa, I'll pass your message on to Kim. But to answer your question, Kim has not figured out why proteins are not bothering her.

Should I have asked the question? Are they any good results after having laparoscopic fundoplaction surgery, is there anyone????

@mrjonathan1

Worked great for me. 30 + years of better livin.

Hi @mrjonathan1 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm getting the picture that perhaps your post-Nissen fundoplication situation has not been great? I believe I'm catching some angst in your post. Please let me know if this is accurate.

Will you share more about your surgery, how things have been since, and any remedies you've tried to help any issues that arose?

Mine failed. No recommendations from surgeon after. No help. Symptoms the same as before.

@mrjonathan1 I would make sure whoever does the surgery has a lot of experience. I've had to have the surgery twice, once in 2011 & again in 2017. Turned out the first surgeon wrapped the esophagus too high and too tight. I really suffered for 6 years before they decided to undo it and re-wrap it. So I've had the Nissen and Toupet wrap.
In retrospect, I wish I never had the surgery. I suffer from terrible bloating and the reflux is returning. The wrap loosens over time. It doesn't matter what I eat, I have to lay down on my left side after eating. I would not recommend this to anyone, it's major surgery. I've had nerve damage done as well so I have constipation & swallowing issues.
My SIL had the Linxx procedure done back in August & had been very happy with the results, despite a grueling recovery. He had reflux since he was a child. That may be something worth looking into, if you meet the criteria to qualify for it.

Hello, Sorry to hear you are having all these problems. I had the LINX device surgery in 2017. It was done at West Penn hospital in Pittsburgh by Dr. Blair Jobe. He has since retired but the program was taken over by Dr. Kristen Newhams. I would suggest you reach out to them about the LINX. Blessings to you.

AHN Esophageal Surgery at Mellon Pavilion
4815 Liberty Avenue
Mellon Pavilion, 4th Floor, Suite 439
Pittsburgh PA 15224-2156
412-359-4373

@fredsolman Thank you. It has been a nightmare. Just feel forgotten. Has taken 6 mos. Just to get a referral due to incompetence. Then wait 6-7 months to get an appointment. No one cares. I’m not located close to Pittsburgh but I may just go there. Thank you so much. I have read about that procedure.