New upper-stomach burning about a year after Nissen, after months of feeling great has anyone had this happen?
I’m looking for experiences from people who’ve had a Nissen fundoplication.
I had my Nissen in October 2025 after years of significant reflux and stomach symptoms. Recovery was rough at first, but by around six months after surgery I felt really good. For months I felt like I was back to normal and could eat normally. I’ve had some limits with burping since surgery, but that’s my usual baseline.
About two weeks ago, I developed new burning and aching in my upper middle abdomen, right below my breastbone. Before it started, I’d had a night with alcohol, took ibuprofen, and ate something late. I’d tolerated alcohol and other foods before, so I don’t know if any of those actually caused it. The discomfort has lingered since then. It can feel sore or irritated, and eating often brings on burning, nausea, fullness, or bloating. Sometimes I feel better when I’m hungry and then uncomfortable again after I eat—even after a protein bar. I’ve also had throat gurgling and stomach noises. I had one brief stabbing chest pain and some mild discomfort in my back around the same level, but those aren’t the main ongoing symptoms. It can feel sore when I cough or move, too.
After the pain had already started, I did a roughly three-day fast because I thought resting my stomach might help. It didn’t make the original pain go away, and I felt uncomfortable when I started eating again. I’ve since had a few meals that caused fullness or discomfort, especially larger meals. I’m not saying the fast caused the original problem; it happened afterward.
I haven’t noticed a clear change in my usual burping, food coming back up, or new trouble swallowing. I’m worried about the wrap because this pain is new and I was doing so well for months, but I also know that pain alone doesn’t tell me whether the wrap is involved. I took omeprazole recently, but I’m unsure what the plan should be and don’t want to just assume that a medication trial will explain the cause.
I called the surgeon’s office. They said I’m due for follow-up and are arranging a barium swallow. I’ve had one before surgery that didn’t show my reflux; reflux was demonstrated on pH testing. I understand a swallow can look at the wrap and how things pass through, but may not answer whether reflux is happening or whether the stomach lining is irritated. I left a message for scheduling and am waiting to hear back.
Has anyone had a new flare of upper-abdominal burning or meal-related discomfort after feeling well for months following Nissen? What tests ended up being useful for you—barium swallow, endoscopy, pH testing, or something else? If your swallow looked normal but symptoms continued, what did your surgeon check next? I’m not assuming I need revision surgery; I’m just scared of being left with pain and no explanation, and I’d appreciate hearing how other people’s evaluations actually went.