Diet After hiatal hernia surgery, you may be wondering what to eat. This article will provide a list of foods that you should eat after surgery.
Some foods that are good to eat after surgery include lean protein, whole grain, bread and cereals, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and water.
What is Hiatal Hernia Surgery?
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the stomach falls (herniates) into the chest. The hernia can occur when the muscle that attaches the stomach to the spine (the lower esophageal sphincter) weakens, often due to long-term obesity or chronic constipation.
When this happens, food and drink can easily flow down into the chest, causing heartburn and regurgitation (vomiting). If left untreated, a hiatal hernia can lead to Barrett’s esophagus and even death.
Hiatal hernia is treated by surgically opening up the lower part of the stomach and pushing it back into its rightful place. This procedure is called Hiatal Hernia Surgery.
Food that can aggravate the Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
An individual with a hiatal hernia should avoid certain food in their diet to control the symptoms of hiatal hernia.
The following food are high in acidic content or may weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, it enables the stomach acid to back up into the esophagus that leading to acid reflux.
- Citrus fruits and their juice like grapes, oranges, cranberry, and lemon
- Chocolate, coffee, tea, and alcohol
- Spicy food, deep fried and greasy meals
- Onions, garlic, peppermint, and spearmint
- Meals that include tomato such as pizza, chili, tomato juice, tomato soup, spaghetti sauce
- Dairy products like ice cream, whole milk, creamed food, etc.
- Carbonated beverages
- Oil and butter
What Foods Should You Eat After Hiatal Hernia Surgery?
Diet After Hiatal Hernia Surgery
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to eat after hiatal hernia surgery will vary depending on your individual health and dietary preferences.
However, some general tips that may be helpful for a hiatal hernia diet include eating small, frequent meals; avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least two weeks after surgery; and drinking plenty of fluids.
Following surgery for a hiatal hernia, you may experience nausea and vomiting. To avoid these side effects, it is important to eat a light meal and drink fluids. You may also want to take medications to help with the pain and inflammation.
Foods that are soft and easy to swallow are best after hiatal hernia surgery. Some examples of good foods to eat after hernia surgery include:
- Soup
- rice
- pasta
- yogurt
- applesauce
- toast with jam or peanut butter
- steamed chicken, or fish dishes with vegetables such as broccoli or green beans.
What are the Risks of Not Eating After Hiatal Hernia Surgery?
According to Dr. Valeria Simone MD, board-certified general surgeon at Southlake General surgery, Texas, there are a few risks associated with not eating after hiatal hernia surgery.
The most common is that the patient may experience an increase in their risk of developing complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, and malnutrition.
Additionally, not eating can lead to a decrease in the amount of blood flowing through the stomach, which could result in a build-up of gas and fluid in the abdomen. If these complications develop, they can be very serious and require immediate medical attention.
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions after hiatal hernia surgery. Some things you should do include avoiding hard or crunchy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, and spicy food. You should also drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods that are easy to swallow.
Hiatal Hernia Recovery Time
Recovery time after surgery for a hiatal hernia is typically six to eight weeks, as it largely depends on the individual’s general health and healing process.
In general, most people experience some level of discomfort and pain following surgery, which typically peaks around two to four weeks post-op. However, many individuals eventually resume their regular activities and routine without any further issues.
If you experience significant pain or difficulty swallowing following surgery, please consult with your surgeon for further instructions.
Changes in Lifestyle After Hiatal Hernia Surgery
It is always recommended to make certain changes in the lifestyle after hiatal hernia surgery for a healthy lifestyle. A few adjustments in lifestyle can reduce the symptoms like heartburn, including:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Try not to bend over just after your meal.
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol.
- Do not take rest or sleep for about 3 hours after a meal.
- Take adequate meals on time, don’t overeat, and split your diet into small frequent meals.
- Incline the head of your bed for about 6-8 inches with some object. Raising your head with the help of pillows will not give you the relief you want.
In case these changes won’t help, or you want extra relief, over-the-counter acid-reducing medicine may control the heartburn symptoms. Speak to your doctor about over-the-counter and prescribed medicine to control your symptoms.
Symptoms of hiatal hernia can be annoying. However, many people feel better after making changes in their diet plan and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Eating after hiatal hernia surgery is important for your health. There are many foods that you can eat after surgery. Make sure to talk to your doctor about what foods are best for you.
After hiatal hernia surgery, you should avoid hard or crunchy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, and spicy food. You should also drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods that are easy to swallow.
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