All You Need to Know About Diet After Antireflux Surgery

 Antireflux surgery, also known as fundoplication, helps to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in people who suffer from chronic heartburn. GERD happens when the tissues and muscle in the esophagus become loose, causing food and other contents inside the stomach to come up into the esophagus. Although antireflux surgery tightens these muscles and prevents food from entering into the esophagus, providing relief in heartburn, it gives best results when doctor-prescribed dietary restrictions are promptly followed. Continuing on the subject, in this blog post, we share a few diet recommendations you should know before undergoing antireflux surgery. Read on.

Fluids

Doctors recommend being on a liquid diet for at least two-three weeks after antireflux surgery. This liquid diet allows the stomach to heal while maintaining proper hydration.  The full liquid diet may include clear liquids such as water, electrolyte drinks (low or no sugar), protein drinks, low fat or fat free milk, thinned yogurt, frozen desserts, and strained soups. Make sure that the liquids included in the diet are nutritious and provide enough energy to the body to recover faster.

Recommendations

  • Milk Shake

  • Protein drinks - powder mixed with water or milk or premixed protein drinks

  • Fortified milk/ soy milk/ oat milk etc.

  • Yogurt, thinned

  • Electrolyte Beverages, Powerade zero, Propel, Gatorade zero, crystal light


Pureed Diet

Within three weeks of the surgery, one can start including pureed food in their diet. Make sure that the food is smooth and has no lumps. To get the same consistency, use  a blender to blend your food. It is always advisable to include food items that are soft on the stomach and prevent acidity. 

Recommendations

  • Cottage cheese, ricotta cheese

  • Greek yoghurt

  • Soft scrambled eggs

  • Refried beans

  • Pureed lentils

  • Chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad made with fat-free mayonnaise (no veggies in this)

  • Creamy soups

  • Pureed lentils

  • Soft cereals such as thinned grits, cream of wheat

Soft Diet

Once three to four weeks after the surgery, and eating pureed foods easily, the diet can be advanced. Start eating soft food that can easily be mashed and have a uniform soft consistency. Generally, doctors recommend cooked food so that it can be mashed better and does not cause irritation in the stomach. It is also advisable to not add too many spices to the food.  All food should be chewed well and enjoyed, don’t rush through mealtimes.

Recommendations

  • Custard

  • Cereals softened

  • Cheese sticks, soft cheeses

  • Eggs

  • Minced meat/ground meat

  • Cooked beans

  • Skinless dark meat poultry - leg, thigh, wing

  • Canned meats

  • Deli meats - thin sliced

  • Fish - flaky varieties

  • Tofu

Long term Diet

Once doing well with a soft diet, continue to add more regular consistencies and drier foods over time.   Some post reflux patients do not tolerate drier starchy foods like breads, or pastas.   Occasionally drier meats like chicken breast or steak can be difficult to tolerate.  They should be chewed in small bites and carefully consumed.

Wrap Up

Any surgery, if followed by strict diet plans, can lead to better results and recovery and antireflux surgery is no exception. Talk to your doctor regarding your postoperative dietary plan. Remember to include plenty of hydrating fluids while advancing your diet and well beyond recovery.  To know more about antireflux surgery in Dallas and Fort Worth, reach out to a reputable surgeon offering anti-reflux surgery, weight loss procedures, and other minimally invasive procedures.


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