Medical Is Laparoscopic Fundoplication the Solution to Your Acid Reflux Woes?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Evo
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around an upcoming laparoscopic fundoplication surgery, where the participant's stomach will be repositioned to alleviate issues related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The procedure involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the esophagus and stitching it, which may lead to a smaller stomach and potential side effects, including an inability to vomit. Concerns are raised about the implications of not being able to vomit, especially in cases of nausea or food-related issues. Participants express support and share personal experiences related to similar surgeries, emphasizing the importance of careful recovery and the need for pre-operative testing due to the participant's health concerns, including blood clotting issues. The conversation also touches on the dietary restrictions post-surgery, highlighting the need for soft foods and the avoidance of carbonated drinks. Overall, the thread is supportive, with humor and camaraderie as participants prepare for the surgery and recovery process.
Evo
Staff Emeritus
Messages
24,029
Reaction score
3,323
Yes, I'm about to put the FUN in fundoplication. I'm having surgery next Friday to pull my stomach out of my esophagus and open the stricture.

Not as bad as pulling my foot out of my mouth, I guess.

They're going to take the top part of my stomach and wrap it around my esophagus and then stitch it together. Yeehah!

Wait, possible side affect "an inability to vomit". Uhm what happens to the vomit? Oh, no, I think I will pass on that side effect, thankyouverymuch.

Anyway, here is what the doctor gave me to show the procedure. Hmmmm, smaller stomach, can't eat as much. :!)

I'm having the full wrap.

http://wishard.kramesonline.com/3,S,82182
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Biology news on Phys.org
How did your stomach get into your esophagus? I didn't know stomachs could wander around like that.
 
Math Is Hard said:
How did your stomach get into your esophagus? I didn't know stomachs could wander around like that.
This is Evo we're talking about. Apparently my stomach tripped and wound up shoved up into my chest via my esophagus. :bugeye:

Ooooh, and I got to see all of the lovely color photos of it from the endoscopy. Yep, there was my stomach in a place it wasn't supposed to be. :biggrin:
 
Last edited:
wow! A clumsy stomach? only you, Evo!

Well, I'm sure this is going to make you feel so much better. I've heard amazing things about those laproscopic procedures. Supposed to have minimal scarring and shorter recovery times. Still, I think with you and Tsu laid up, we're going to have to open a sisterhood infirmary!
 
Stay waaaay back MIH!

We need a few sisters to remain strong while we are down. Although, I should be back to abnormal within a few weeks. :approve:
 
:bugeye: Wow, Evo, that's heavy. But I hear that those overhaul sections in the hospitals are pretty good today.

All the best
 
Math Is Hard said:
wow! A clumsy stomach? only you, Evo!

Not only her, I have similar problems. Just on much smaller scale.

Fingers crossed Evo! But you don't need stomach to post on PF, just a free hand and keyboard :wink:
 
Best wishes on your upcoming fun.
 
Thanks guys! If it works, I will be very happy.
 
  • #10
Evo said:
Yes, I'm about to put the FUN in fundoplication. I'm having surgery next Friday to pull my stomach out of my esophagus and open the stricture.
That's pretty big deal it seems. I hope all goes well with the surgery and with the post-op recovery, and I hope it solves the GERD issue.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
 
  • #11
I'm sure it will all go great and you'll be feeling good again very soon. Even if you half to eat smaller amounts, food is going to be fun again!
 
  • #12
Oh my, that sounds...well...it sounds like !

Abdominal surgery is no picnic, and you won't be picnicing for a while. But if they're doing it laproscopically that's a huge improvement - I hope it drastically improves your recovery time.

Wow, what they can do laproscopically these days...amazing.
 
  • #13
Yeah, instead of a single incision, they will make FIVE incisions over the entire abdomen. Sounds much better. :frown:
 
  • #14
When you break yourself, you sure do a good job of it. Now they have to tie your insides into knots just to hold you together. :rolleyes: I'm not sure a smaller stomach is a good thing for YOU though...unless it's only the GERD that keeps you eating so little already. But, if a potential side effect is that you can't vomit and you're going to have a teeny stomach that won't fit so much, please be careful you don't pop yourself next. :bugeye:
 
  • #15
Moonbear said:
But, if a potential side effect is that you can't vomit and you're going to have a teeny stomach that won't fit so much, please be careful you don't pop yourself next. :bugeye:

:smile: :smile: :smile:

Sis, trust me. 5 tiny little holes are WAY better than a large incision that has to cut through large amounts of muscle and nerves. Is this an out patient procedure or do you have to stay overnight. Oh boy. Yer going to have so much FUN! :biggrin:

We'll throw some pre and post parties for you. Sisters! Prepare your ImageShack! :smile:
 
  • #16
It's a hospital stay of 1-3 days. I'm hoping I can go home the next day.

MB, with the GERD I vomit all of the time, so I guess I can use half a stomach to compensate. Over time, I think it will stretch out.

I'm really afraid of not being able to vomit, because sometimes vomiting is a "good" thing. Even if it's only to relieve nausea. I can't imagine feeling sick and not being able to vomit. And with the risks I take with the things I eat, like green ham, I'd hate to think it would be stuck in there and my body fighting to send it back out. THAT scares me the most. :frown:
 
  • #17
Evo said:
It's a hospital stay of 1-3 days. I'm hoping I can go home the next day.

MB, with the GERD I vomit all of the time, so I guess I can use half a stomach to compensate. Over time, I think it will stretch out.

I'm really afraid of not being able to vomit, because sometimes vomiting is a "good" thing. Even if it's only to relieve nausea. I can't imagine feeling sick and not being able to vomit. And with the risks I take with the things I eat, like green ham, I'd hate to think it would be stuck in there and my body fighting to send it back out. THAT scares me the most. :frown:

I googled "home stomach pumping kit", but couldn't find anything suitable.
Stay away from those green hams, young lady!
 
  • #18
Wait until you're all puffed up like a blowfish with CO2. Hopefully you can still burp even if you can't vomit.

Yeah, five tiny incisions is WAY better than what is described if they have to make the big one...it sounds like they'd slice you open like a gutted fish! Just in case, eat as much as you can until you're told you have to start fasting for surgery, so you're up to full strength if there are a few days you're not able to eat much of anything during recovery.

I guess the inability to vomit would be due to nerve injury during the surgery?

And no more eating food without your glasses on first! Green ham is not a good idea if you can't vomit...actually, it's not a very good idea any day.
 
  • #19
Evo said:
It's a hospital stay of 1-3 days. I'm hoping I can go home the next day.

MB, with the GERD I vomit all of the time, so I guess I can use half a stomach to compensate. Over time, I think it will stretch out.

I'm really afraid of not being able to vomit, because sometimes vomiting is a "good" thing. Even if it's only to relieve nausea. I can't imagine feeling sick and not being able to vomit. And with the risks I take with the things I eat, like green ham, I'd hate to think it would be stuck in there and my body fighting to send it back out. THAT scares me the most. :frown:

Yes, that was my first thought, too. Even though I don't vomit often, when I do, I REALLY need to (I seem to get food poisoning more than normal people :frown: ). Will they be able to pump your stomach, I wonder?
 
  • #20
lisab said:
Yes, that was my first thought, too. Even though I don't vomit often, when I do, I REALLY need to (I seem to get food poisoning more than normal people :frown: ). Will they be able to pump your stomach, I wonder?
I wonder if I can get a DYI stomach pumping kit? I can't go to the emergency room every time I feel sick.

Ok, I will not have trouble vomiting, I've decided, it's not an acceptable side affect.
 
  • #21
Evo said:
Ok, I will not have trouble vomiting, I've decided, it's not an acceptable side affect.

Don't worry, you won't even know because the cause has been taken away. Just no more reason to vomit.
 
  • #22
Evo said:
I wonder if I can get a DYI stomach pumping kit? I can't go to the emergency room every time I feel sick.

Ok, I will not have trouble vomiting, I've decided, it's not an acceptable side affect.

Now you've given me something else to look up. I wonder if it's the same nerves with both sensory and motor fibers in them that make you feel nauseous and regulate the vomiting reflexes, or if they are different ones. If it's all the same, you may feel sick in other ways, but maybe the actual nausea won't occur.

In case you didn't know, rats can't vomit either. Since they tend to eat from scarier places than your green ham containing refrigerator, their approach is to only taste a little bite of something new to make sure they don't get sick from it, then go back and eat more later if they're okay (this is why you can't immediately bait rats with poison, but first need to put out little treats without the poison so they get used to the food being safe before you put out the poison that they chow down on). So, if you can feel nausea, but can't vomit, that would be the approach to only get tidbits of new things (or old things) and make sure they don't make you sick before eating more.
 
  • #23
Evo said:
the things I eat, like green ham
:smile: I think you may be taking Dr. Seuss much to literally.
 
  • #24
I am going to write to David Letterman and ask him to do a Top Ten List of "things people don't like about laparoscopic fundoplication". Here's a start:

#10: No longer able to enjoy green ham
#9: Fundoplication not really that "fun"

:biggrin:
 
  • #25
Moonbear said:
In case you didn't know, rats can't vomit either.
Good to know I will have rats for company. :cry:

Math Is Hard said:
I am going to write to David Letterman and ask him to do a Top Ten List of "things people don't like about laparoscopic fundoplication". Here's a start:

#10: No longer able to enjoy green ham
#9: Fundoplication not really that "fun"

:biggrin:
#8: Rats don't vomit either.
 
  • #26
Evo said:
Good to know I will have rats for company. :cry:

Jr GF keeps 3 rats, they are not as ugly as everybody thinks.
 
  • #27
Borek said:
Jr GF keeps 3 rats, they are not as ugly as everybody thinks.
Rats are actually very cuddly, and love to snuggle and kiss (you can barely feel their little tongues). Naked tails are a bit of a cosmetic disadvantage for rats, but domesticated rats are almost as fun as my tame chipmunks.
 
  • #28
Evo said:
Yes, I'm about to put the FUN in fundoplication. I'm having surgery next Friday to pull my stomach out of my esophagus and open the stricture.

Not as bad as pulling my foot out of my mouth, I guess.

They're going to take the top part of my stomach and wrap it around my esophagus and then stitch it together. Yeehah!

Wait, possible side affect "an inability to vomit". Uhm what happens to the vomit? Oh, no, I think I will pass on that side effect, thankyouverymuch.

Anyway, here is what the doctor gave me to show the procedure. Hmmmm, smaller stomach, can't eat as much. :!)

I'm having the full wrap.

http://wishard.kramesonline.com/3,S,82182

Hope all goes well Evo. My mom had that surgery a couple of years ago and it made a huge difference in her GERD. She is still not able to eat very much at a time. She was also instructed to never throw up or it would "undo the surgery"...They gave her a prescription for phenergan to keep on hand at all times. Last winter she got a stomach virus and actually did throw up. She can't tell any difference since doing so.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #29
larkspur said:
Hope all goes well Evo.

No need to hope, we all know it will go well. The only thing we should be afraid off is damage Evo will do to herself at hospital after successful surgery. You know, something like bruise or black eye :wink:

Evo, have you told the doctor about your slow clotting?
 
  • #30
Borek said:
Evo, have you told the doctor about your slow clotting?
And your general klutziness and tendency to make lemons out of lemonade?
 
  • #31
I can't take any aspirin, or NSAIDs for a week before the operation. I know they have requested the EKG I just had, but they didn't ask for anything else, that I am aware of. I guess I need to mention it.
 
  • #32
I'll be thinking of you, and wish you a speedy recovery! :smile:
 
  • #33
Evo said:
I can't take any aspirin, or NSAIDs for a week before the operation. I know they have requested the EKG I just had, but they didn't ask for anything else, that I am aware of. I guess I need to mention it.
Normally there is pre-op testing, including blood work to see if one is in good health for the operation. Make sure they do a clotting test, or mention to the surgeon that one may have reduced clotting.
 
  • #34
So, is tomorrow the day? If so, we need to start your pre-surgery party! I'm thinking we need to present things that you are going to able to eat and drink when you're all healed up. If we start showing pictures of what you can eat right now, it's going to be a freakin BORING PARTY! :biggrin:

Did you tell your doc about your clotting problems?
 
  • #35
Evo said:
#8: Rats don't vomit either.

:smile:

I have been having hellacious acid indigestion for two days. I think it's some kind of psychic sympathy thing.
 
  • #36
Tsu said:
So, is tomorrow the day? If so, we need to start your pre-surgery party! I'm thinking we need to present things that you are going to able to eat and drink when you're all healed up. If we start showing pictures of what you can eat right now, it's going to be a freakin BORING PARTY! :biggrin:
Brings a bunch of grapes to the party...everyone can have ONE grape. :biggrin:

Did you tell your doc about your clotting problems?
This is one they seriously need to know about. You don't want to have post-op bleeding for 3 days. If they know ahead that there's a potential clotting problem, they can check it and give you platelets or other clotting factors if necessary. Maybe we just need to hook up Tsu and Evo together since Evo needs more clotting factors, and Tsu needs less. :biggrin:
 
  • #37
Moonbear said:
Brings a bunch of grapes to the party...everyone can have ONE grape. :biggrin:
The Evo Child wants to take me out tomorrow night for my last meal.

This is one they seriously need to know about. You don't want to have post-op bleeding for 3 days. If they know ahead that there's a potential clotting problem, they can check it and give you platelets or other clotting factors if necessary. Maybe we just need to hook up Tsu and Evo together since Evo needs more clotting factors, and Tsu needs less. :biggrin:
I had a long talk with the pre-op nurse and she was concerned about several things, the blood clotting, my swollen left leg, the low potassium. They will be doing a complete blood work up before surgery. They are also getting the doppler tests on my legs to make sure they didn't miss a clot.

I won't be able to eat for a day after the surgery and I can't eat anything solid for at least a month, so the Evo Child and I went shopping for baby food, applesauce, soups, mashed potatoes. I won't be able to stand to cook, and she doesn't cook, so it has to all be pre-made. Also no carbonated drinks for a month. :frown: So I bought some Arizona green iced tea.

Moonbear, if you're interested, it's a Nissen Fudoplication, with hernia repair and dilation of my esophagus. I already have stricture from scar tissue causing dysphagia, and this surgery can cause dysphagia. :-( I need to remind the surgeon that he REALLY needs to inflate my esophagus during this surgery or I won't be able to swallow anything.

Luckily, I should have a private room at the hospital. I bought a hospital suitable nightgown, which the Evo Child thought was hysterical, she called it my "downhome prairie gown".

So I should be in a fairly bad mood for the next month or two years. Evo Child will be staying with me. I will be out on disablity for a minimum of 4 weeks. I was told that even getting in or out of a car will be difficult. I cannot believe it can be that bad. I will be hauling heavy loads and ripping my stitches out the next day, I just know it.

Thanks everyone for all of the kind words. It means a lot to me. :smile:
 
  • #38
All the best, Evo - I'll be thinking of you!
 
  • #39
Do you have netflix, or someone to bring you DVDs to watch?

Does Ricco know how to fetch things for you?
 
  • #40
Evo said:
Moonbear, if you're interested, it's a Nissen Fudoplication, with hernia repair and dilation of my esophagus.

I was wondering if those would be done, too.

So I should be in a fairly bad mood for the next month or two years. Evo Child will be staying with me. I will be out on disablity for a minimum of 4 weeks. I was told that even getting in or out of a car will be difficult. I cannot believe it can be that bad. I will be hauling heavy loads and ripping my stitches out the next day, I just know it.

Thanks everyone for all of the kind words. It means a lot to me. :smile:

If you do heavy hauling and rip your stitches, you'd better cover yer ASS because that'll be ME rippin' you a new one! :smile:

Please take care, Sis. Let us know what we can do. Would you like some special desserts after your 'last meal' tomorrow? I'll see what I can find. :wink:
 
  • #41
Evo said:
Thanks everyone for all of the kind words. It means a lot to me. :smile:

What kind words? We just want you back fast so that we can make fun of you whenever you do one of those Evo things :wink:

Speaking of which... You would have been proud of me yesterday. I was getting into my car and hit dashboard so strong with my knee that I am limping now. I promised my car that if it will happen again I'll start to call it Christine (without ~~).
 
  • #42
Evo said:
The Evo Child wants to take me out tomorrow night for my last meal.
:smile:

I had a long talk with the pre-op nurse and she was concerned about several things, the blood clotting, my swollen left leg, the low potassium. They will be doing a complete blood work up before surgery. They are also getting the doppler tests on my legs to make sure they didn't miss a clot.
Good, glad to hear they're being extra careful to avoid complications.

I won't be able to eat for a day after the surgery and I can't eat anything solid for at least a month, so the Evo Child and I went shopping for baby food, applesauce, soups, mashed potatoes. I won't be able to stand to cook, and she doesn't cook, so it has to all be pre-made. Also no carbonated drinks for a month. :frown: So I bought some Arizona green iced tea.
*Envisions Evo with a jar of babyfood* :smile: That's going to be a tough recovery on that diet. Maybe we should temporarily delete the food thread so you don't have to look at it.

Moonbear, if you're interested, it's a Nissen Fudoplication, with hernia repair and dilation of my esophagus. I already have stricture from scar tissue causing dysphagia, and this surgery can cause dysphagia. :-( I need to remind the surgeon that he REALLY needs to inflate my esophagus during this surgery or I won't be able to swallow anything.
You really are a mess! We'll just push you and Tsu in your wheelchairs up to a table and let you play cards for the next month.

So I should be in a fairly bad mood for the next month or two years. Evo Child will be staying with me. I will be out on disablity for a minimum of 4 weeks. I was told that even getting in or out of a car will be difficult. I cannot believe it can be that bad. I will be hauling heavy loads and ripping my stitches out the next day, I just know it.
Be really careful with that. It's so easy to think you're feeling better and overdo it. Our lab tech had gallbladder removal surgery not that long ago, and will now be going back for a hernia repair because he didn't listen and lifted too much before he was supposed to (all our yelling at him not to do it didn't help, and we've all but tackled him to get between him and heavy lifting to keep him from doing more damage...being stubborn will only prolong the recovery, not help).

Thanks everyone for all of the kind words. It means a lot to me. :smile:
Enjoy your "last meal" and try to get some sleep tonight...I know it'll be tough, but you're not going to get much while being poked by nurses every few hours in the hospital either. Hopefully when the ordeal is over, you'll finally have more restful sleep without waking up choking on your own vomit.
 
  • #43
Take it easy, Evo! I wish I could email you some garlic-scape pesto and penne pasta for your "last meal". Let your incisions heal well before doing anything even remotely strenuous. If they put you on pain medications, be really careful when getting out of bed, standing, and any other time where light-headedness could result in a fall. You don't want to fall down with unhealed incisions.
 
  • #44
Unfortunately, no last meal. AFAIK, one is not supposed to eat 24 hrs before surgery so that one's alimentary canal is more or less empty, especially with what they are planning to do.

I hope all goes well tomorrow Evo, and I wish a speedy and full recovery.

My thoughts will be with you.


No lifting! That's what children and friends are for.
 
  • #45
Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers.
 
  • #46
Astronuc said:
Unfortunately, no last meal. AFAIK, one is not supposed to eat 24 hrs before surgery so that one's alimentary canal is more or less empty, especially with what they are planning to do.
I can eat normally up until midnight. And i can have clear liquids until 8am, including coffee.

Thank you, and everyone else for their thoughts and prayers. The surgery is just more of a nuisance than anything. After this, we can try to figure out what else is wrong.
 
  • #47
Good luck Evo!
 
  • #48
Kurdt said:
Good luck Evo!
Thanks Kurdt! While I'm gone, I will expect you to keep an eye on GD and report anything you see that's not right.
 
  • #49
Oh no! Philosophy :eek:

I'll do my best. :smile:
 
  • #50
Evo said:
I can eat normally up until midnight. And i can have clear liquids until 8am, including coffee.

Go ahead, eat a big breakfast...then follow up with a quick Almighty Cleanse.

Seriously, good luck and I hope all goes well :smile: .
 

Similar threads

Medical Damage to Vagus Nerve After Laparoscopic Fundoplication
Replies
26
Views
52K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top