Excessive burping and esophgeal pain after hiatal hernia and sleeve

[Shannon Piper 11]

Hi out there. I just had the sleeve repair with a repair of my hiatal hernia. I am having no pain from the sleeve part. But the hernia part is killing me. I cant drink Water, broth or even the Protein Shakes without excessive burping and pain down my esophagus and throat. I know it has only been 24 hrs but I am home now and I cant swallow every 15 minutes for water or nourishment without severe burning and discomfort. The doctor told me that this is expected from the irritation of being under anesthesia plus the hernia being stitched up and it takes time. But I had undergone surgery before and the intubation never irritated my esophagus like this. I had reflux to begin with but this is worse. I fear am going to get dehydrated. The doctor told me I could do sugar free popsicles and that would help with fluids. I pray this is temporary because I am in a lot of discomfort. Anyone out there have similar experience and the outcome you could share?

Edited December 18, 2014 by Shannon Piper

[blondebomb 580]

Hi out there. I just had the sleeve repair with a repair of my hiatal hernia. I am having no pain from the sleeve part. But the hernia part is killing me. I cant drink Water, broth or even the Protein shakes without excessive burping and pain down my esophagus and throat. I know it has only been 24 hrs but I am home now and I cant swallow every 15 minutes for Water or nourishment without severe burning and discomfort. The doctor told me that this is expected from the irritation of being under anesthesia plus the hernia being stitched up and it takes time. But I had undergone surgery before and the intubation never irritated my esophagus like this. I had reflux to begin with but this is worse. I fear am going to get dehydrated. The doctor told me I could do sugar free popsicles and that would help with fluids. I pray this is temporary because I am in a lot of discomfort. Anyone out there have similar experience and the outcome you could share?

I feel for ya. I went thru the exact same things. how long were in after surgry? I told my surgeon about my esophagas spasms also I said I was going to stay another night to stay on IV I knew if I went home I would end up in ER over dehydration. mine finally eased up at 2 wks out. it was brutal for me as well..take it slow. its from the hernia repair. I went to my internists at 2 wks an he ordered me liquid lidicane. if you ask for it be extremely careful...it will numb you to drooling an it doesnt take much at all. I am sorry your going thru this as well. but believe me it does get better. my internists told me it would take a good 6 months for tummy an the repair to heal. so baby yourself...I hope you get feeling better soon!

[onmywaytoonederland 236]

My surgery was 12/3 and I also had a hiatal hernia repair. I found that very warm went down the best. I even heated up my premier Protein shake. Try warm broth or Decaf tea. Popsicles also helped, sugar free, of course. Water has a tension to it, add a few drops of mio, or crystal light, or desani drops. Try sugar free gatorade. As for the burping....very small sips. I can take a drink and it takes me 7 swallows to get that mouthful down. I am 15 days out and the tugging discomfort of the hernia repair is much easier now. It does get better, just give it time. Good luck, hope this helps a little. p.s. I forgot about the spasms.....the doctor ordered hyoscyamine 0.125mg for them to take every six hours as needed. See if you can get him to prescribe that for you. It helped me immensely!

Edited December 19, 2014 by onmywaytoonederland

[AlanaRN 419]

I had same experience. I really didn't get much down the first week. It slowly got better.

[MyssJones 84]

@ShannonPiper. Im 3 days post op with my sleeve (12/15) and I'm definitely struggling with the trapped gas pain in my chest/esophagus. I'm almost scared to eat anything because 60 seconds after I swallow even a tiny bit, I get intense pain. And then it just comes and goes in wavesas it pleases. I'm over it.

I'm praying this gets better. So far what helps a little is the peppermint warm tea and gas x strips.

I'm worried about dehydration as well, as I only get about 10-16 oz down a day. I know that's a 1/6 of what I should be getting. And only a few grams of Protein. Smh!

[Shannon Piper 11]

So now its day 4 . Burping not so bad as before. Esophagus still pretty inflamed. Was able to drink one 11 oz can Pure Protein shake yesterday but it took 3 hrs! So boring. Still suffering stomach discomfort after swallowing anything. But hope that improves daily. Baby steps.

Edited December 21, 2014 by Shannon Piper

[FrankyG 1,450]

I had my hiatal hernia/sleeve surgery on the 18th - same exact thing happened to me. Lump in my throat after just a few sips of anything, LOTS of burping, and I was even getting foamies and throwing up.

I started eating popsicles - sugar free ones - and I was able to get a whole one down in under 20 minutes. The cold seemed to help with the swelling too.

Today, the lump went away completely (ate another popsicle for breakfast) and I'm fine with drinking the Protein shakes now.

Edited December 22, 2014 by FrankiesGirl