A Recovery Diet for GERD Surgery

What to Eat after a Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication Procedure

Sep 18, 2009 Brenna Coleman

After Nissen fundoplication surgery, following a light, yet nourishing diet is necessary for proper recovery.

Millions of people suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Characterized by painful and persistent heartburn, trouble sleeping, and indigestion, acid reflux is a common byproduct of the American diet. For some, the symptoms of acid reflux can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, GERD medication, and even natural remedies, such as eating apples, or using healing herbs; but, for a small portion of GERD sufferers, surgery is a better option.

What is Nissen Fundoplication?

Procedures such as Nissen fundoplication surgery can be a highly effective solution for those with chronic and persistent heartburn. In this procedure the upper part of the stomach known as the fundus, is used to tighten the doorway between the stomach and the esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In essence, Nissen fundoplication surgery blocks acid reflux by choking off the opening that stomach acids and partially digested food would use to travel back up into the esophagus.

After surgery, many doctors recommend starting with a short liquid recovery diet, and gradually increasing to solid foods. By patiently re-introducing foods while at the same time focusing on nutrition, one can help the body heal after surgery.

The Liquid Fundoplication Recovery Diet

The fundamental rules of a liquid recovery diet after GERD surgery are to avoid very cold or very hot liquids, carbonated beverages, and alcohol. Start with translucent, mild liquids, and move on to thicker drinks such as protein shakes and milkshakes. Try to get as much nutrition as possible, through fresh juices and natural broth and teas rather than processed drinks.

Only clear liquids should be consumed for the first twelve to twenty-four hours after Nissen fundoplication surgery. This means water, light broth, tea, and non-citrus juices such as fresh apple or white grape juice. Beyond the first day, there is no set amount of time that the liquid fundoplication recovery diet should be followed, although it is wise to increase the thickness and consistency of food slowly, monitoring how the body reacts each step of the way.

Along with clear liquids, add nutrient-rich drinks to the recovery diet. Carrot juice will supply much needed vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. The body uses vitamin A for immunity and normal cell growth. Plenty of vitamin C is also necessary for healing and cell regeneration — drink apple, grape, papaya, and fresh cranberry juice. Aloe vera juice is extremely soothing and wonderful for healing. It is a natural antiseptic, helping to prevent infection of the esophagus and LES, and it encourages lymphatic circulation, increasing the formation of antibodies.

There are a number of herbal teas or herbal tinctures that can be taken as a source of nutrition after GERD surgery. Nettles, chickweed, oat-straw, and red raspberry leaf are all easily absorbed sources of a number of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and K. Any of these herbs are safe to drink as a tea up to three times a day, or take a dropperful of the tincture with juice one to two times a day.

Vegetable and chicken broth are an important source of nutrition, supplying warm, nurturing, mineral-rich liquids. Milk, protein-shakes, and smoothies are an important part of the liquid fundoplication recovery diet as they supply much-needed protein and fat. Try blending a banana, yogurt, honey, and fresh strawberries for a healthy and delicious smoothie.

The Soft Foods Fundoplication Recovery Diet

Nissen fundoplication surgery is a serious procedure, and the body does need the opportunity to restore itself. Moving on to soft foods too quickly can harm delicate tissue and slow the healing process. At the same time, it can be difficult to get enough nutrition and calories from a purely liquid diet. Start adding soft foods one at a time as soon as the second day after surgery, or after several days of the liquid recovery diet.

The first soft foods to eat after GERD surgery should be mild, and easy to swallow. Try cottage cheese, yogurt, applesauce, and pudding. Next move up to scrambled eggs, steamed or broiled fish, bananas, avocados, and mashed sweet potatoes. Then tomatoes, melons, plums, oatmeal, and pasta. Avoid gas-producing foods such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower; with a smaller LES, not only is there less room for acids and food to travel upwards, but it is more difficult for gas to come back up.

Bread and meat are the most difficult foods to eat after GERD surgery, and the body may need several weeks to recover. Also, because part of the stomach is used during the Nissen fundoplication procedure, there is less space for food after surgery, leaving one to feel full earlier. This generally remedies itself after several weeks or months. Be patient with recovery and the body will eventually heal completely.

Sources:

Balch, Phyllis A. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).

Skylar, Jill and Annabel Cohen. "Eating for Acid Reflux: A Handbook and Cookbook for Those with Heartburn." (Marlowe and Company, 2003).

The copyright of the article A Recovery Diet for GERD Surgery in General Medicine is owned by Brenna Coleman. Permission to republish A Recovery Diet for GERD Surgery in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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