Diet After Hiatus Hernia Surgery

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a surgery used to treat chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, chronic acid reflux, and hiatus hernia. A special GERD diet for acid reflux is recommended for a smooth and healthy recovery after the surgery. It allows your body to adjust, ensure the operation is booming, and avoid discomfort. Most people return to a regular diet about 4-5 weeks after surgery.

It is essential to realize that everyone is different, and that people progress at their own pace. It would be best to listen to your body's reaction to the diet. If you feel uneasy, uncomfortable, or heavy, it is better to take a step back and retry the diet later.

The suggested program below is only a guide. It is not an entire list of all dietary options. There is a possibility that certain things need to be added or omitted depending on the surgery and your comorbidities, like diabetes or high blood pressure. One of our specialist nutritionists will see you and guide you through it before your discharge.

You can contact us if you are looking for a specialized and customized diet plan. We can arrange a telephone consultation with our dedicated nutritionists, and they will be happy to guide and assist you. Our team of nutritionists will tailor your 7-day GERD diet for an acid reflux plan and assess the response on a regular basis.

Week 1: Liquid Diet

Patients who had undergone fundoplication surgery should follow a proper GERD diet for acid reflux. We usually advise our patients to undergo a liquid diet for the first week. There is a lot of handling of the food pipe and stomach during the surgery. A liquid diet does ensure easy swallowing of food till the swelling subsides and allows easy passage of solids.

Examples of liquids include:

Water
Tomato soups
Coconut water
Home-cooked juices, especially apple juice or vegetable juice
Buttermilk
Thin custards or yogurts
Milkshakes and milky coffee
Lemon water

Important Guidelines for Week 1:

Ensure that a liquid diet is taken at the rate of 150 ml/ hr
Avoid using straws
Avoid using carbonated or fizzy drinks
Don't try to gulp liquids at a go

Week 2: Pureed Diet

After one week of surgery, it is time to try a smooth diet that doesn't require much chewing. It is, however, recommended you eat most of your meals at home, especially if you are trying a portion of new food. Your foods should always be well-cooked, moist, and easy to chew and swallow.

Key Recommendations:

It would help if you ate highly nutrition-dense foods (high protein diet)
During this week, begin the practice of eating only three small meals a day
Continue having high-protein liquids in between meals
Learn to eat your food very slowly
Develop a habit of putting your fork down between each bite
You must try to chew your food at least 30 times before you swallow
Your every meal should last at least 20 minutes

Sample Pureed Foods:

Shredded egg whites, meats, fruits, and vegetables can be cooked and mashed or put in a blender to create the right texture
Rice pudding
Pureed vegetables
Pureed chicken and fish
Mashed potatoes
Jacket potato (avoid eating the skin)
Bananas and stewed fruits
Soft cheese and low-fat tofu

Week 3-4: Soft Diet

By the end of two weeks, the swelling resulting from the surgery starts to subside in most patients. You should be able to tolerate foods with almost a solid texture. Start with very soft foods with no lumpy bits to ease swallowing.

Sample Soft Foods Include:

Shepherd's pie and mincemeat
Soft fish
Soft fruit and vegetables
Soft and adequately cooked chicken in plenty of sauce or gravy
Baked beans
Soup
Mashed potato
Baked potato
Scrambled egg or omelet
Pasta
Potato salad
Macaroni cheese

General Guidelines for Post-Surgery Diet

Eating Habits:

Chew your food thoroughly before swallowing it
You must aim for small meals 5-6 times a day
Avoid fizzy and carbonated drinks for at least two months following the surgery
Take plenty of fluids after the surgery to remain hydrated

Foods to Avoid:

Avoid foods that may cause more than regular bloating of the abdomen or gas formation
These foods include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lentils, and peas
Avoid using a straw while drinking fluids
Avoid smoking tobacco or chewing gum

Recovery Timeline:

Most people return to a regular diet about 4-5 weeks after surgery. However, it's important to:

Listen to your body's signals
Progress at your own pace
Consult with your nutritionist if you experience any discomfort
Make adjustments based on your individual response

Why Follow This Diet Plan?

Following the recommended GERD diet for acid reflux after hiatus hernia surgery is crucial for several reasons:

Reduces Swelling: A liquid and soft diet allows the surgical site to heal without irritation
Prevents Complications: Proper diet prevents food from getting stuck or causing discomfort
Promotes Healing: Nutrient-dense foods support the body's recovery process
Prevents Reflux: The diet helps maintain the effectiveness of the fundoplication procedure
Smooth Transition: Gradual progression allows your digestive system to adapt

Customized Diet Plans at Habilite Clinics

At Habilite Clinics, our experienced surgeons specialize in GERD repair using advanced techniques. We offer personalized treatment plans and strive to provide the highest quality of care. Our team of dedicated nutritionists can:

Create customized 7-day GERD diet plans
Provide telephone consultations for ongoing support
Assess your response and adjust the diet plan accordingly
Address specific dietary needs based on comorbidities like diabetes or high blood pressure

Diet After Hiatus Hernia Surgery

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