Patient Recovery Guide
Recovering from hiatus hernia repair & anti-reflux surgery
Your week-by-week guide
You have had a laparoscopic (keyhole) hiatus hernia repair and/or anti-reflux surgery. This interactive guide walks you through diet, activity, and what to expect week by week. Instructions from Dr. Irshad’s team always take precedence.
Preparing for your surgery
2–4 weeks before surgery
- Stop blood thinners as specifically directed by Dr. Irshad’s team. Do NOT stop without guidance.
- Stop herbal supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic tablets).
1 week before surgery
- Attend pre-admission testing if scheduled at Brampton Civic Hospital.
- Arrange 1–2 weeks of help at home.
- Fill all post-operative prescriptions and stock soft foods (yoghurt, soups, mashed potatoes) for your first weeks.
The night before and day of surgery
- Nothing to eat after midnight. Clear fluids until 2 hours before arrival.
- Take only approved medications with a small sip of water.
- No jewelry, nail polish, or contact lenses.
- Confirm your driver — you cannot drive yourself home. Most patients go home the same day or after one overnight stay.
About your procedure
Using 3–5 small incisions, Dr. Irshad repaired the opening in your diaphragm and wrapped part of your stomach around the lower esophagus to create a new valve that prevents acid reflux. Most patients go home the same day or after one overnight stay.
Before you leave hospital
- Pain is controlled with oral medication
- You can tolerate liquids or soft foods
- You have passed urine
- You have received your discharge prescription
- Your follow-up appointment has been booked (4–6 weeks)
Your recovery timeline
Enter your procedure date to highlight roughly where you are in your recovery. This is a general guide — your team’s instructions always come first.
Day 1–3
- Mild shoulder or throat discomfort — normal, caused by the gas used during surgery
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed; rest at home
- Light walking encouraged; avoid any heavy lifting or bending
Week 1–2
- Soft diet only — see the diet guide below
- Shower after 48 hours; keep incision sites dry for the first week
- Fatigue is normal; rest when needed
- No driving while taking narcotic pain medication
Week 3–4
- Most patients return to desk work and light activity
- Gradually reintroduce normal foods as tolerated
- Some bloating and difficulty belching is normal and settles over weeks
Week 6
- Follow-up appointment with Dr. Irshad
- Full return to all activities including exercise
- If needed, endoscopy can be arranged to confirm healing
Diet after surgery
Week 1–2Pureed and soft foods only (yoghurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soups). No bread, meat, or hard vegetables.
Week 3–4Gradually introduce soft solids. Chew thoroughly. Eat small, frequent meals.
Week 6+Return to normal diet at your own pace.
AlwaysSit upright for 30 minutes after eating. Avoid carbonated drinks for 6 weeks.
What is normal after this operation
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) for 4–8 weeks — the wrap causes temporary swelling. This improves.
- Bloating and gas — the new valve makes it harder to burp. Avoid carbonated drinks.
- Shoulder pain — caused by residual gas from surgery. Walking helps.
- Fatigue — normal for 2–3 weeks. Your body is healing.
- Mild heartburn may persist initially; continue prescribed acid medication.
Warning signs — when to seek care
Go to Emergency or call 911 if you experience:
- Severe or worsening abdominal/chest pain not relieved by medication
- Persistent vomiting or inability to swallow liquids
- Fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F)
- Redness, swelling, or discharge from incision sites
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Signs of blood clot: calf pain, leg swelling, or sudden chest pain
Call our clinic at (905) 458-4520 if you have:
- Any non-urgent concern about your recovery — call the clinic before going to the Emergency Department
Common questions about recovery
How long is recovery after hiatus hernia repair and anti-reflux surgery?
Most patients go home the same day or after one overnight stay. Light activity and desk work usually resume in weeks 3–4, with a full return to all activities including exercise by about week 6.
Why is it hard to swallow after anti-reflux surgery?
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) for 4–8 weeks is normal — the wrap causes temporary swelling that gradually settles and improves.
Why do I have shoulder pain and bloating after surgery?
Shoulder or throat discomfort in the first few days is caused by the gas used during surgery, and walking helps. Bloating and difficulty belching happen because the new valve makes it harder to burp; this settles over weeks, and avoiding carbonated drinks helps.
When can I drive after anti-reflux surgery?
Do not drive while you are taking narcotic pain medication.
When should I seek care after hiatus hernia surgery?
Go to Emergency or call 911 for severe or worsening abdominal or chest pain, persistent vomiting or inability to swallow liquids, a fever above 38.5°C, redness or discharge from incisions, shortness of breath, or signs of a blood clot. For any non-urgent concern, call the clinic at (905) 458-4520 first.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Instructions given to you by Dr. Irshad’s team always take precedence. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately. Published in compliance with the CPSO Advertising Standards Policy.
Questions about your recovery?
Dr. Kashif Irshad — Division of Thoracic Surgery, William Osler Health System, Brampton Civic Hospital. Tel: (905) 458-4520 · Fax: (905) 458-4080 · thoracic@williamoslerhs.ca
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