Any Nissen pre-op advice?

Going in on June 9th for my para-esophageal hernia correction and Nissen.
I have my doc's diet restriction list, bought Ensure, liquid multi-vitamins, Jello and soups, but I thought I'd ask the members for any other last minute tips.
Thanks

John

Hi John.Just make sure the hosp doesnt expect you to eat a full meal of chicken the FIRST day like mine did.Good luck im in for a redo on the 10th.

Make sure u get enough rest and stick to the liquid diet. You will be tempted to eat stuff you shouldn't trust me. I wish you all the best

italien ice, broth, juices too. stick with just clear liquids for at least a week. 3 weeks out and I am still only able to do full liquids. Good luck, take it easy, no lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk.

Limit your bending over, too.
Even pushing a buggy can hurt you.
The first week I basically lived in my recliner. I'd get up and stumble around to keep the blood flowing in my legs, but I even slept in the chair.
Be sure to ask for an extra pillow in the hospital to hold over your stomach for the coughing you will do after the surgery. It helps relieve the pain of the cough. When you get home be sure to carry around a small throw pillow to hold for the next week or so.

Joy

I hope you didn't buy vitamin pills. Stick to liquids for at least a few weeks!

My hernia was paraesophageal too. That operation takes a good bit longer than just a fundoplication. Mine took 5 hours. Not to scare you, but your recuperation will be a bit longer too.

Make sure to ask about pain meds before going in. I was supposed to be hitting a button, couldn't because I couldn't hold it. I'd had a radial artery line in the right wrist - which they didn't tell me about beforehand and put in while I was unconscious, also took out before I woke up - and they kept putting the thing in my right hand, which didn't work too well and still hurts. Demand pain control loudly if you have to!

Did they tell you about the pre-op prep? Not supposed to eat and also have to take 1/2 the prep as for colonoscopy. Fun! But I was glad not to have to get up for 2 days.

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Alcie

Thanks for the replies, everyone....to respond to a few posts:

Actually, my prep instructions was only liquids the day before....I was told taking my daily fiber was OK too.
That's another question for my surgeon....how about fiber in liquid during the recovery. ( I take Heather's Tummy Fiber, which is great for IBS, BTW) It dissolves completely in water, like Benefiber.

Although I normally take a lot of vitamins, I did purchase a liquid multi for the recovery.

Has anyone taken Aloe Vera to help soothe things during the recovery? (George's Aloe ....just like flat tasting water...I take 4 ounces a day)

I did forget to ask if I can take my Kapidex the morning of the surgery....what about pain meds afterward? I bought liquid Tylenol but can you swallow a pill in case of pain or nausea?

JAS-
As far as diet goes, follow your doctor's diet. Most doctors have a different diet they prefer for this surgery. Some are only liquids for a long time and some have you on soft food the next day. After you are allowed to eat normally remember to listen to your body. It will let you know what is alright and what isn't, I can guarantee that!
I was told to take my PPI and BP meds the morning of both surgeries. As for pills after wards, I didn't have a problem with either. Everyone is different, so that you will have to find out on your own unfortunately.
The pillow on the belly for coughing is a huge help, thanks Joy. Also, when you get out of bed it is easiest to roll on your side and use your arms to help push you up instead of trying to just sit up. Oh, and also I found it easier to also raise the head of the bed way up. This is at the hospital. Don't let them send you home until YOU are ready to go. Once you are home it is WAY harder to stop pain than at the hospital.
Also some warm drinks help easy any esophagus spasms you may have after surgery. I know there are some things we have missed and I am sure someone else will be along to help out. Good Luck! we will welcome you to the "Wrapped Club" soon!

Take care,
Bill

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opnwhl4
Moderator: GERD/Heartburn
Nissen 6/06 and 5/09

My surgeon gave me liquid pain meds and anti-nausea meds for after the surgery.
My stomach was to be totally empty except for a small swallow of water and an anti-nausea pill they gave me (which I threw up...allergic to it).
Before the surgery they placed an anti-nausea patch on my ear for me to wear for the next five days. It worked great.

Your bowels will be slow for a few days afterward. It's an after effect from the drugs. Fiber might help but I'd double check with the surgeon.

Joy

First off, good luck!

My DR had me in the ICU for 3 days, no food, IV only. 10 days after, liquids only, 3 weeks after that I was given a soft food diet to follow.

Ask for liquid pain medicine and also anti-nausea medication. Don't be surprised if your left shoulder and arm have terrible pain as this is common due to the swelling. Should last 2-3 weeks.

Do not lift! I was told I had a 5 lb. maximum for 6 months. No exercise either, pool only if you can.

When you start to eat again, small bites and chew it to a liquid other wise it can get stuck which is painful.

Constipation can occur also. Beware of the gas that will come also, some of us on this forum joke about it as it's really nasty. You will want to have GAS X in your house also because when you start to eat normal again you can bloat up and have terrible pain in your stomach.

The first few months you may feel terrible but it does get better. I feel really good as of today and looking back, I didn't think I would ever feel normal again.

Keep us posted!!!

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Nissen Fundaplication 3/1/2010 (full wrap)
Hiatal Hernia 3/1/2010
Thyroid Removal 1990