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DIET
FOLLOWING SURGERY
Due to swelling of the wrap used to prevent your reflux, the following
two short term effects are noted in most patients after reflux surgery:
- Difficulty swallowing
some foods (dysphagia).
- Abdominal bloating and pain after eating foods that distend the stomach (gas bloat syndrome).
These symptoms last from two to six weeks. The following diet instructions
minimize these symptoms by alerting you to foods that tend to be difficult
to swallow or distend the stomach.
STAGE
1: CLEAR LIQUID DIET
When to Start: Night of Surgery. Later, drop back to STAGE 1 if you have
problems with STAGE 2.
Your Diet:
- Small meals of
clear liquids 3-4 times daily.
- Avoid extreme temperatures.
- Drink slowly.
- Allow cold foods
to melt in mouth.
- No carbonated drinks for 3-4 weeks!
STAGE
2: SOFT DIET
When to Start: Morning after surgery. Continue at this stage for 3 days
after surgery or as tolerated.
Your Diet:
- Soft foods (foods
you could eat if you didn't have teeth).
- Eat or drink slowly
over a 1-hour period until you feel full.
- Chew your food
well.
- Drink fluids with
food to keep food moist.
- Limit the following
"gas-forming / irritating" foods. Tomato products, peppermint,
black pepper, caffeine, alcohol, onions, green peppers, "gum chewing",
menthol, fatty foods, beans, spicy foods, nuts, citrus fruits, raw fruits,
raw vegetables, fiber supplements.
- Avoid breads, crackers,
biscuits, pancakes, waffles, and French toast.
- Avoid dry meats
(like cold cuts).
- No carbonated drinks for 3-4 weeks
STAGE
3: TRANSITION TO REGULAR DIET
When to
Start: About 3 days after surgery.
Your Diet:
- Soft diet as above.
- Begin introducing
more challenging foods one at a time.
- If they cause symptoms,
avoid them and try reintroducing them at a later date.
- Drop back to Stage
2 as needed for bloating or difficulty swallowing.
- For bloating try
taking GAS-X® (available over the counter) with meals.
- No carbonated drinks for 3-4 weeks
STAGE
4: REGULAR DIET
When to Start: 3 to 6 weeks after surgery
Your Diet:
Regular healthy diet
