Caring for Yourself after Laparoscopic Repair of
Hiatal Hernia/Nissen/Toupet Fundoplication

Wound care

• You may shower in 24 hours. Shower so that you do not soak your dressings.
• You may have glue over your incisions. The glue will wear off in 10-14 days.
• In most cases, we do not use stitches that need to be removed.

Activity

• Do not lift more than 5-10 lbs. for 6 weeks after surgery.
• You should do light activity at home. Do a little more activity each day. Start walking as you feel able the day after surgery. You may walk as often as you can. Walking will help you recover faster.

Diet

Your diet will need to change your diet for a time after surgery. You will get diet instructions at the office visit with the doctor before surgery. Read over these instructions before surgery. Some of the main things to know include:

• Start with clear liquids only and slowly move on to solid foods. 
  • The first week after surgery, follow the clear liquid diet.
  • The second week, move on to full liquids and pureed foods.
  • The next 3-6 weeks, move to soft foods.
  • After that, return to a regular diet. 
• Eat several small meals a day. Eat only until you are full.
• Eat slowly and chew your food well.
• Drink plenty of fluids with your meals. Try to alternate between a bite of food with a drink of fluids.
• Avoid carbonated beverages.
• Do not use straws.
• Sit upright when you eat. Stay upright for at least 20 minutes after eating. This helps you digest your food and reduces gas.

Follow-up appointments

• You will have a clinic appointment about 2-4 weeks after surgery. It is important that you keep this appointment. If you cannot make your appointment, please call and reschedule.
• You will have another follow-up visit about 1-2 months after surgery. 

Call the office if you have any of these:

• Fever greater than or equal to 101⁰F
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling or redness at your incisions
• Bad smelling drainage (pus) from your incisions
• You have any questions