hi I too had the surgery back in 2004 and still had symptoms afterwards, was back to doctor a number of times and they told me that the surgery is not guarenteed and that my symptoms could return, well now my symptoms have all disappeared but now I am experiencing excess gas and I am having left side pain under my ribcage so not sure if the two are related. I wish you the best of luck. so ya instead of my symptoms coming back within 5 years of the procedure my symptoms have actuallly left 6 years after the procedure opposite of what I was told, is that weird or what.

I had the nissen surgery in 2007.  The reflux has been pretty controlled until recently.  It is really intense again.  I am worried that the wrap has come undone .  I didn't think it was possible after four years.  I also experience trapped gas pain, bloating, spastic colon and my food sensitivities are getting worse.  I've noticed an increase in heart palpitations and shallow breathing as the symptoms have become worse.  I am a female, I run daily and I am approximately 115 lbs.  The surgery and recovery are a real pain, but it is worth the relief, so I am ready to try again.

I had the nissan done about 8 years ago and now am having lots of problems with eating. Food is staying stuck in my chest while I am eating and I feel like throwing up before I am done eating. It gives me alot of pain. I have to burp alot and I don't actually throw up but I do bring up clear stuff that looks like water and after that I feel better. I have not gone to the doctor yet cause I just don't want to go through all those test they had put me through those years ago, and I am afraid they will want to do the surgery again. I have been through so much so I think I will watch what I eat and see what happens. Good luck to you all but I know how you feel.

Thank you for being concerned Jan.

hi i had the nissan done in dec 2010 i wish i could turn back the clock i ended up being in hospitial for 7 weeks. i had to have a stretch and am having another stretch next wednesday like you food is staying stuck in my chest and i bring up the clear stuff that looks like water. i have also a slow empting stomach now they tell me i had it before the op yet i was never tested for it. this has ruined my life as i went out for meals 3 times a week and went dancing also went on holidays a few times a year now its all stopped i live mostly on ensure drinks and yogurts. 

I have had the same result bringing up clear stuff and feeling better

Hi, My name is Megan and when my son was three months old he choked on his reflux and nearly died. He underwent a fundoplycation and a pylora plasty. He did great with no need for any medication. Now my son is 1 1/2 years old and his reflux is back. He is up every night screaming, because of the burning pain in his esophagus, and has bout of vomitting. I am terrified of him choking again, what am I to do? In my town there is only one pediatric Gastroenterologist and it is extremely hard to get an appointment. My son has undergone more radiation and surgery than I have in my entire life and I am 28 years old. Is there any hope for him or is he going to have trouble his whole life? The surgeon and gastroenterologist told me that he would out grow this when he turned one and was eating a steady diet of solid food, but he is still have problems. Solid food just gives him something different to vomit up. I have not been able to sleep in almost 2 years myself, and I am lucky if I get 4 hrs of sleep each night. Someone please help me I am begging for some guidance.

Sincerely,

Megan

Spokane, WA

If you are having reflux and you have not had surgery (not sure if it will work after a nissan fundiplication or not) try eliminating refined sugars from your diet. Refined or white sugar seems to relax the spincter muscle in the esphosogus and allows gastric acid to climb up and irritate the lining of the esphosogus. I have had terrible reflux in the past. I discovered the complete absence of reflux within 24 hours of starting a low carb diet such as South Beach or Protein Power Plan: any of the diet plans that nearly eliminate white, refined sugar. I eat all the fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grain bread or pasta that I want. I also use brown sugar, Agave syrup and Stevia to sweeten my food and drinks. I am not following a specific diet plan any longer, just know how to eat now. Some foods like Jiff Peanut butter or regularly sweetened yogurt do not cause the heartburn to return as long as I am getting the protein I need with ea meal. I put plenty of finely ground hamburger in my spaghetti sauce or chili for example and can sweeten it with a couple tbsp of brown sugar although that's just my preference, not necessary. Anyway, I've tried to tell different G.I. docs about this easy solution but they seem to blow it off. I haven't needed an antacid in yrs! I am an RN. Try this, you'll be amazed. Anyone that has started a diet that reduced refined sugars including cookies, cakes, frostings etc (which you will lose the craving for in 2-3 days) can tell you that you can lead a reflux free life without medication by making this easy change. Just try this. Best wishes, Chris

I have had this same operation done to me twice already. The first time was back in 2009 and the second was in 2010. i am sad to say that as of today I am still able to vomit bile and have acid reflux bad from time to time.I also have a hard time eating a lot of foods. I can be staving but after having only sometimes four or five bites will feel full and sick to my stomach.. Can anyone please give me some advice on what I should do. My email is r-rollins@hotmail.com

Yes, your shortness of breath does have to do with both.  Many years ago before the Nissin Fundopllication wrap I felt like I had a Mack truck on my chest and a plastic bag around my head suffocating me.  After a successful surgery, I have not had ANY breathing troubles until one month ago.  Like before my surgery years ago, I am also being told that my breathing symptoms and chest pain are unrelated to the GI or acid reflux.  Well, I now know better because I am also getting the burning occasionally.  He even asked if I've had my asthema checked.  I simply said don't even go there because I took two years out of my life before proving that the breathing and chest issues weren't asthema.  So, I am scheduled for all usual tests but plan to only have the PH test if I have burning.  I had a hiatal hernia that moved and due to this it took three PH probe tests to see how bad my acid was at times.  I am hoping to just do it one time this time around.   As for me I do want the wrap redone if it has loosened because I have had extremely normal life that I had no chest pain and no breathing problems after a successful surgery.  I have shoveled, stacked wood and last year shoveled/spread a dump truck full of gravel on my driveway.  I was in my late 30's with the first surgery but now am in my mid fifties.  I have put on around 40 pounds since my thirties and think maybe I stretch it out with the weight gain.  I now can't eat much again or I cant breath and get sever chest pressure and pain so I hope to loose some weight to see it it helps at all.  Go for it and hope and pray that your life will be good when you can breath again.  Right after the surgery everything is swollen so eat soft foods only.  Take it slow and easy and know it gets more normal with each passing year.  My side effects since the surgery was no burping but gradually I now burp easily.  Also, bloating that I just take gas X and it helps and I have always eaten small pieces of steak and potatos as they get stuck easily.  They are the common food that does.  I keep on had suppositories for nasua to avoid wrenching as I can't vomit and if the surgery is successful you won't be able to either.  The suppositories help until the food/bile that would have been vomited ends up coming out the other end as diaherea.  I am in the process of proving once again I need surgery.  Don't let the GI doctors make you think the symptoms are real or GI related because THEY ARE!  Best wishes M

I had sugery about 8 weeks ago and have never help so go for 3 years.

Hi, name is Barb and I just had the nissen done about a week ago. The one thing that bothers me is I cannot drink water but I can handle ice. Warm tea helps out. I know I have weeks to go before I can even try to eat anything but I am hoping this works out. The surgeon told my hubby that it was a good thing I had it done since the hole in the esophagus got so much better. I feel like something is stuck in my throat though and it that more common until things heal better. Lost a lot of weight so far but energy level is really down. trying to do energy drinks but they do  not stay down. have you something that might give me some hope. thanks

Hi, my name is Christine, I also had a Nissen op 19th Jan 12.  It was a re do.  The first one was only 19 months ago!.  I have just been to A&E today as I am suffering a bit.  They said there is nothing wrong (after x rays and blood tests)  I have a constant feeling of eating roast dinners in my throat, when I am only eating strained soups, yoghurt and water!!!  I have severe bloated stomach and couldn't fasten my trousers today (worn them since the op OK).  I am really concerned as I didn't have these symptoms last time, in fact I sailed through the op and post op period.  I lost 3 stone prior to the op last time and afterwards was on restricted diet.  I have put the weight back on but now do not feel like eating and the scales show very little weight loss!!!  I can't explain that.  I will be speaking to the GI nurse tomorrow hopefully.  What a state!!! I had an extremely large hiatus hernia, which broke through again.  I have never had any GERD symptoms like burning in the throat but was on Omeprazole 40mg every day prior to the ops.  I have no desire to eat anything, but forcing down the soup to keep up energy levels.  GP has given me energy drinks to keep the vitamins up. I reckon if you feel weak, you need to suck some vitamins or see your Dr who can prescribe something that doesn't make you sick.   I feel pretty miserable but 2 weeks is nothing in healing.  I dont think the feeling in my throat will ease, but I hope I am wrong.  I still had it to a lesser degree after the last op.  Don't suffer in silence, see you GP and insist they either refer you back. I live in UK and we can go to the A&E at the hospital any time, but we are NHS, so understand if you can't.

Thinking of you, hope you feel better soon

I have a question.  I'm one week post op and am wondering what kind of food I should be eating.  I've been on broth and jello, but tried some boiled squash today.  It went OK, but I could tell it sat there for hours and hours before being digested.  All they told me was NOT to eat....don't eat gas producing foods, white starchy, no raw fruit.  But I need someone to tell me what I can eat. 

Thanks for you reply in advance.  Pray you are doing better.

You are best just drinking one week after your op(just seen your post and its 13th Feb).  Strained soup little and often.  Runny yoghurt (we have mullerlite in UK which is really runny) You could use the gravy from your dinner, strained, if you want something tastier.  I was drinking the slimming shakes too until the dr gave me some protein drinks.  Since my post I have just started solids.  The Dr thinks I may have Globus, which is the feeling of food in the throat, but actually the muscles of the throat which have tightened.  I am now on Domperidone 20mg x 3 times a day to try and take away the feeling.  What every you do don't stop visiting the Dr - I go on a weekly basis.  They can't then say I hadn't told them the symptoms.  Hope you are feeling better soon. 

I went to the nurse practitioner at the surgeon's office yesterday.  She told me I was drinking and eating too quickly.  I needed to chew my food really, really good. And to sip water instead of drinking it fast.  I too am having that feeling that something is stuck in my throat.  The stomach spasms are not as bad as they were a week ago.  I'm currently 2 weeks post op.  I see you are 5 weeks post op. 

Is the medicine helping?

I went to the nurse practitioner at the surgeon's office yesterday.  She told me I was drinking and eating too quickly.  I needed to chew my food really, really good. And to sip water instead of drinking it fast.  I too am having that feeling that something is stuck in my throat.  The stomach spasms are not as bad as they were a week ago.  I'm currently 2 weeks post op.  I see you are 5 weeks post op. 

Is the medicine helping?

Hi, KDT, the domperidone has relieved it a little bit, but sensation still there.  The GP thinks it could be Globus and given me Diazapam!!! Only 5, apparantly if this reduces the feeling ie muscle relaxant, then thats the problem and nothing due to the op.  I took the diazapam(valium) and guess what - no change!!! Apart from sending me to sleep!!!  I am back this Friday.  My GP is going to speak to the surgeon this week.  Not sure where we go from here.  How are you?  Are you taking any protein drinks and keeping your vitamins up?? I had the op 19th Jan so will be 5 weeks this Thursday.  So a little bit in front of you.  Keep your sense of humour, its difficult, but try and act as though everything is normal.  I have a wonderful husband, but think he is as fed up as me now!!! I am still on soup, soft food, and have managed a dunky sweet biscuit, dunked in coffee!!! tried a small piece of cake, and suffered for it, so won't eat that again for a good while.  Take care

Bless your heart.  I feel like I'm doing better.  Smashed up food does so much better and if it is something substantial, I have to chew it up really good and drink water really slow too.  I still sometiimes feel like I have a hunk of roast in my throat.  But I'm starting to feel like I'm going to make it. 

I am praying for you.

Hi!  I would try juicing.  I have a Jack Lalanne.  I bought it at Costco for $99.00.  I juice 4 times a day, some days.  I drink ensure, equate, kirkland brand slimfast.  I drink french onion soup, blend up the onions.  Chicken and beef broth, jello, pudding, yogurt, and apple sauce.   I also drink: apple juice, cranapple, crangrape, and cranraspberry.  I suck on popsicles and make myself smoothies.  I have had this surgery done four times in the last 7 years.  With all my surgeries, I was unable to eat solids for three months. 

I am currently having all the tests to see if I need the surgery again.  I think I might do the botox injections into the stomach this time.  When I drink, I have 30 minutes until I have major pressure in my stomach, then I become nauseous, and then I dry heave.  Good Luck.  You can do it.  

Hi Barb,

I too had a nissen fundo Feb 1st.  I was wondering how you are doing at this point.  I still have a tremendous amount of nausea along with the feeling that something is stuck in my throat.  The simple act of eating has become a big deal.  I carefully choose my food because I know I won't be able to eat very much.  I also have to think about whether I will be able to chew it up adequately. 

I have the same problem and I do have the shortness of breath, some people relate it to the diafragma ( if you have the external hernia) ...... that's hard to understand whether take the risk of the surgery.

I have the same problem and I do have the shortness of breath, some people relate it to the diafragma ( if you have the external hernia) ...... that's hard to understand whether take the risk of the surgery.

Hi, I hope you dn't mind me askign something here but this last answer talks about having had the nissan fundoplication twice. Do you mind if I ask why and was the second one successful? I had one done two years ago and it worked for about 6 months but but now has completely failed- I now get reflux far worse than I did before the operation plus I can no longer tolerate anything other than cold drinks and cold food. I've had a barium swallow which shows the wrap is still in place but my specialist thinks I have loosened it by doing regular abdominal crunches.  (no-one told me not to do them). I think it more likely that it was too tight in the beginning and I tore some or all of the stitches as that is what it feels like. The specialist says my only option is to have all the tests done again then to have the op but it can't be done laparoscopically and will last no more than ten years. As the first one didn't last, my worry is that nor will this second one and I might get other complications from the 2nd op like this inability to tolerate warm or hot food. What has your experience been?

I hope you dn't mind me asking my question on top of this original one. I have never had any shortening of breath or vomiting so this does sound as if the operation has gone wrong just as mine has.

They were both successful. The first fundo was a toupet or what they call a half wrap. The radiologist also said my wrap was still in place, but this does not mean that it is working. It lasted 11 years. It is very difficult to tear the stiches out. Most surgeons now use stitches and a mesh screen that bonds with the scar tissue. He is wrong telling u that a second fundo cannot be completed laparoscopically. My nissan was done laparoscopically 11 years later with lots of scar tissue in the way. It is so very important to choose a surgeon that specializes in these ops only, even if u have to travel out of state. Do not pick a general surgeon. The endoscopy, barium swallow, and the esophageal manometry should all be repeated with the right doc. Sorry, I don't know whats up with the hot stuff. There could be damage to the lining and the hot stuff iritates and the cold stuff soothes it? I could get u my docs number and he could help u or find u a doc who could. best of luck!

who does it other than a general surgeon

Get a Bariactric surgeon - they are the best for this type of surgery!

never heard that one.  with mine if im sick i dry heave cause i cannot vomit.  breathing no problems thats weird

I had the nisson done in Feb of this year and it lasted about 6 months.  I started having problems about 3 weeks ago and I'm miserable.  My throat and chest are raw. I barely have a voice. The doc has put me on 80mg of Nexium a day to see if that helps.  I've only been on the double dose for 2 days and no relief.  I am getting pretty desperate.  I don't want to overreact but I don't want it to turn into something worse either.  Any advice?

hi i,m micky i,ve just had a nissen fundoplication done laparoscopic 3 weeks ago every thing seems ok so far as reflux goes but when ever i eat i sweat and dry heave and feel unwell how long does it last like this and is it normal

i,ve also had shortnessof breathe along with plurisy which i still have very painfull

I'm a young guy (27) and I've had Barret's edophagus for a year now.   I've been on Nexiam all that time, which has really helped.  But it's rather expensive and I've always been contemplating having the NF.

Listening to all your stories I'm really not so sure anymore.  What do you guys recommend?  Would you go for the op or just continue with the medication for the rest of your life...?

I am brand new - searching the internet for some answers - thought I'd respond.  Had my nissen fundoploication laparoscopically in October 2003.  My heartburn was pretty bad but the worsf was my cough, constant throat clearing and swallowing problem - food just hung in my throat and would not go down, especially bread, meat.  I also have nerve issues in my throat which are another story that contribute to this (glossopharyngeal neuralgia).  Anyway, I could not and did not throw up 5 1/2 years - then this summer I got what I believe to have been food poisoning for the first time in my life.  I threw up mercilessly for hours and hours.  I get some heartburn now and one week ago I had a horrific pain on the left side of my stomach while I was sitting in bed doing nothing.  It lasted for 20 maybe 30 seconds.  I am convinced my nissen came completely undone.  I had the sensation that something was  unfolding/slipping deep inside my body right at the area where the main port from the surgery was located.  I now have burning which is tolerable in the area and what appears to be a vein or weird piece of tissue sticking out of my body (under the skin) from the bottom of my ribs to my waist and then you can't see it anymore.  Went to the doctor this morning - had a ct scan of pelvis and abdomen and the doctor is telling me everything looks fine although he says he can't see if the nissen is still in place - he says it doesn't matter.  Well it does matter to me.  He also says he doesn't know what this "tissue thing" is - could have been a clot (occluded blood vessel) - seems to be coming out of the main nissen surgery port he says - seems suspicious to him.  My original doctors are no longer around and this new group doesn't seem too concerned.  I have the throat clearing back and the cough is just starting a little bit.  Yes, I have breathing difficulties with this condition also - it is like I can't breathe and talk at the same time - I have to hold my breath while talking and then stop talking and quick breathe.  I also have vagus nerve involvement and this past week I have that all too familiar vibration of the vagus nerve up the center of my chest.  Haven't felt this since prior to the nissen surgery.  Ever since the surgery I have the worst gas passing from whatever I eat.  Why my family doesn't make me live in the garage I will never know.  My bowel movements have an ungodly smell, texture has changed - nothing is working right.  Whoever invented that tube down the nose  24 hour gold standard probe test obviously never had it done to them, ditto on the mannometry test.  I will never go though those tests again.  From reading this site I see I need a different test to see if the nissen has come unwrapped, gastroscopy, barium swallow, endoscopy, what is the best one?  If it is undone, I wonder if I can just leave it and try meds.  I don't want to do it again.  What if it is half undone, hanging by a thread or something, is that bad?  I would appreciate hearing of other's experiences.  I wish you all well.

It's been a while since you posted your comment, but I can relay my background to you in the hope that it helps.  I was diagnosed with Barret's when I was 30.  I took nexium, prilosec and prevacid, as prescribed by my doctor and my insurance's formulary.  None of them relieved the symptoms.  After 8 years of constant pain, I had the nissen.  It gave me four years of relief, which, as you know, is a really good payoff.  My symptoms are back, so I am returning to my Dr. to see if I need it again.  If you are not getting relief from the meds, you should really consider the surgery.  I wish I hadn't waited so long.  Read what you can and find a surgeon who specializes in Nissens.

It's been a while since you posted your comment, but I can relay my background to you in the hope that it helps.  I was diagnosed with Barret's when I was 30.  I took nexium, prilosec and prevacid, as prescribed by my doctor and my insurance's formulary.  None of them relieved the symptoms.  After 8 years of constant pain, I had the nissen.  It gave me four years of relief, which, as you know, is a really good payoff.  My symptoms are back, so I am returning to my Dr. to see if I need it again.  If you are not getting relief from the meds, you should really consider the surgery.  I wish I hadn't waited so long.  Read what you can and find a surgeon who specializes in Nissens.

have the surgery, we are already at risk for cancer due to the changes in cells. I had surgery 1 yr ago 57 yr old still required to have scope yearly to watch for cancer.

I have had the same problen had the wrap 4yrs ago still having severe reflux and bloating and pain nexium didn,t work for me prevacid helps with my heartburn but nothing has helped with the reflux i feel it is distroying my throat.I wake up sometimes feeling like i can,t breath thats because of what it is doing to my throat .Hope you can get some relief good luck......

Hi, I'd like to know your outcome. I had a nissen Oct 2010 and then 7 months later in April 2011 developed a constant lump feeling in my throat (from the moment I start eating each day), which gets phlemy, sore and hoarse at times. It came on suddenly... was eating one night and noticed that I all of a sudden had the capacity to eat a large amount of food, then the next day the lump feeling started and has been there ever since. Had a gastroscopy May 2011 and he said all the stitches were fine and that it looked like it was functioning ok. Have had heaps more tests and even though the PH test said I was having reflux after eating, the specialist won't acknowledge that this is the case... he thinks the surgery is fine. Having another gastroscopy in April 2012 and in the meantime are back on meds which don't fully help.

My message above was supposed to go under Nana's message, but for some reason ended up further down the page.

PS: I shouldn't have even had a nissen... turns out the major upper abdo pain I was having for 5 years was actually due to gallstones and was bilary pain (I did have a hiatal hernia, but in reality had minimal symptoms from this). They did a nissen in October '10, I ended up in hospital with the abdo pain again in November '10, then they took my gallbladder out December '10 (since that op I've had diahorrea for the last year)!  Now I have major symptoms from the hernia that I never had before surgery.  Moral of the story... gets heaps of tests (and even a second opinion) so that they have the right diagnosis.

Hi, I'd like to know your outcome. I had a nissen Oct 2010 and then 7 months later in April 2011 developed a constant lump feeling in my throat (from the moment I start eating each day), which gets phlemy, sore and hoarse at times. It came on suddenly... was eating one night and noticed that I all of a sudden had the capacity to eat a large amount of food, then the next day the lump feeling started and has been there ever since. Had a gastroscopy May 2011 and he said all the stitches were fine and that it looked like it was functioning ok. Have had heaps more tests and even though the PH test said I was having reflux after eating, the specialist won't acknowledge that this is the case... he thinks the surgery is fine. Having another gastroscopy in April 2012 and in the meantime are back on meds which don't fully help.

Hi not sure if anyone can help, I had my NF on 21st Feb 2012 and am still struggling with food sticking in my oesophegus and causing pain. just had a barium swallow test and after the first liquid test the radiographer said that was enough. It took 45 second for a mouthfull of liquid to get through the wrap. Food is sticking in the gullet and fermenting causing pain and swelling which in turn makes it difficult to eat. I need to eat every couple of hours even if its a yogurt/jellly etc. I am still on soft food and if I try anything else suffer the next day.

I am trying to find out what is involved when they do the stretch. After 8 weeks I am really fed up and going to see GP this afternoon. Had a temperature and hot and cold sweats and cannot get warm for last week or so. Had a chest xray to make sure it was not phneumonia which was clear.

Thank you Jan and I am so sorry for what you have had to go through but it was the same thing for me. The surgery was really hard and painful. And you are right, when you feel full, stop eating cause that seems to be when the pain starts for me and I feel like vomiting.

Judy

I was glad to hear from you Judy.  To get yout input.  I was to a follow up to my family dr and he told me that no matter how perfectly lined up the hiatal hernia, stomach and what ever they have to do in the surgery to get the stomach back down where it should be, everyone heals different and scar tissue plays a big important role in healing and for some reason no matter how hard the surgeon tries he will always get the wrap too tight or too loose and 2nd surgeries or repair will not help.  We just have to live with it and watch what we eat, how much and how often.  Now I will see if that works.  Nothing else has and I seem to be gettin worse.

hi my names arron im 30 and have had the nf in june11 and had problems from day 1 so i went back to see my surgen and he preformed a part undo in august 11.i still have the same problems today im still on liquid to soft diet no matter what i eat the food still gets stuck and i get a massive pain in my chest and it feels like theres another heart there beatinf fast untill the pain eases then im vomiting for about 40-70 mins untill the food finally comes back up the the pain stops.ive been sent to see another surgen on november 3rd this year who is suppose to be top dog its along way for me to travel but its my last option.

p.s take care all and will be in touch to let you know what he says

Aaron,  you are quite a bit younger than me. I'm 76 years old and I found that after the surgery some get relief right away and some it takes time.  For me it has taken 2 years off and on.  I know now since my last hospital stay that I really have to watch what I eat and when the food gets stuck, I stop eating every bite and wait until the stuck feeling goes away.  I know thats hard to do because your food can get cold etc. but it really helps to prevent further problems with bloating, gas, and nausea.  I am hoping that you will find out what is causing you to have these symtoms.  Don't give up.  Jan