To Wrap or Not to Wrap
Jack Massa

My name is Jack Massa and I had my double lung transplant on August 4, 2005.  After the transplant the doctor suggested that I have the Nissen Stomach Wrap surgery.  I had acid reflux before transplant and this surgery is supposed to help keep acid from getting into your lungs.  Another reason the doctor wanted to do the surgery was I had a hiatal hernia. 
I met with Dr. Carlos Marroquin and discussed the surgery.  He was very informative and explained the procedure very well.  He is a really NICE doctor!
During the surgery, Dr. Marroquin found that my hiatal hernia was worse than he thought.  1/3 to 1/2 of my stomach was up in my chest cavity (with my new lungs) due to the hernia.  So he repaired the hernia while doing the stomach wrap.  After the wrap I had to go on a liquid diet for 2 weeks, followed by a pureed diet for another 2 weeks.  This part was not easy.  I lost about 20 pounds even though I was told I wouldn’t lose much weight.
I stayed in the hospital 3 days, due to the extra surgery on the hernia.  The pain wasn't that bad.  The diet was worse! 
After the surgery you will need to follow the doctor's advice on how to eat.  Take smaller bites of food and chew your food really well.  Always eat sitting up straight.  I still take pills for acid reflux morning and night, even though I have had the stomach wrap. 
I strongly recommend having the Nissen Stomach Wrap surgery.  You worked hard getting these new lungs and it would be a shame to lose them due to acid reflux.
Believe or not the doctor does know best!  If he suggests the stomach wrap....he knows what he is talking about!  DO IT!

Click here to read another article