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Concerned About Reflux at 12 Weeks

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 2/17/2012 11:48 AM (GMT -5)
I did some serious swimming about 5 days ago (about 25 laps, the most I've exercised in many months).   I basically swam until I was tired, because I was told that swimming is the best kind of exercise to get after surgery.  I simply did not get tired until after lap 25, and it felt really, really good. 

I had also been much more liberal with my diet, eating tomatos, etc, in salads, and eating a sizable amount.  I'd had some salad dressing that was very acidic, and some balsamic vinegar on my salad for several days before.

I'd been eating coconut ice cream (little bits of coconut) bars every night.

For the past two days I've had the old reflux symptoms.  Like, serious reflux. 

I called my doctor and the receptionist said that I could not have stretched the wrap or the hiatal hernia repair.  But I should back off of the food, and go back to blander food.  I'm eating oatmeal now.

But I feel pain at the wrap site and definite, lung-suffocating reflux.  Can anyone advise?  Or put my mind at ease?  Anyone have any insight into this?  I had the surgery 12 weeks ago, and was cleared to exercise and to eat whatever I wanted.  I don't get it.  Why wasn't the doctor a little clearer with limitations?  I mean, I enjoy exercising and 25 laps is not extraordinary.

Posted 2/21/2012 12:03 AM (GMT -5)
Sounds like you may have taken doc's words too literally. I suspect you may have bits of lettuce and/or coconut sitting just above the wrap. As they sit and slowly decompose it can feel like reflux. Also, if food is stuck and you are vigorously exercising I would think there may be extra pressure exerted in the area which could probably set off spasms. Maybe slow the diet advancement some and ease back into the exercise.

Peggy
Posted 2/21/2012 10:58 AM (GMT -5)
I ate some peppers, with seeds. And pickles. And those pickled, spicy peppers. I have a feeling I may have some pepper seeds caught at the wrap, from a week ago. Is that even possible???

And if so, what can I do about it? I've been drinking a lot of water. Is there any way to flush stuff down past the wrap? is there a way something could be stuck in like a crevice or something? It sounds gross to talk about.
Posted 2/21/2012 5:42 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Dave,

You know how it feels when you've had something in your eye and get it out?  It feels like it's still there. 

If you have eaten things that have irritated your wrap, the irritation will remain for some time.  Just baby it for a while...no rough, scratchy things that might irritate your wrap further. 

12 weeks is 12 weeks.  You're not completely healed.  You are going to have ups and downs at least until 6 months.  It is a full year for complete healing.  It's very common to have these problems during your recovery.

I know you so want this surgery to be a success and worry whenever something seems to go awry.  It's natural.  But try to relax, and let the healing happen in its own time.  Just have some trust...I know it's hard, but it will make things much easier.

I hate to tell you, but to this day, (3 years post-op) I can get an irritated wrap from eating too many raw veggies, etc.  When I do, I just have to hang in there until it has a chance to calm down again.

I have a reactive stomach, and my wrap is made of that reactive tissue.  I think that makes my wrap even more likely to complain.  Oh well...what will be, will be! turn

Hang in there! 

Denise

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