Are you recovering from hiatal hernia surgery? We wish you a speedy recovery. Also, let us help you with the diet you have to follow to have a fast recovery.
Hernia hiatal surgery would have manipulated your esophagus and stomach. So it is advisable to eat foods that are kind to your stomach.
Skip on your regular diet and adopt a special one during recovery. Also, consider the dietary advice of your physician.
Diet For Patients After Hiatal Hernia Surgery
Let your diet not hurt your stomach. It is good to avoid foods that will create stress on your digestive tract walls.
Make sure to take light meals. Refrain from stuffing yourself with food as it can strain your stomach. Taking light meals in small quantities intermittently is a good choice as well.
Foods To Eat The First 2 - 5 Days After Surgery:
Liquid foods are your only option during the first two to five days after hernia hiatal surgery.
You have to avoid straining your operated area with solid foods. So it is better to go with clear liquid foods alone.
You can drink an adequate amount of water. But make sure not to drink much at a time and bloat your stomach.
Include clear soups, milk, fresh juices, and yogurt in your diet.
Foods To Eat For 1-3 Weeks After Surgery:
Maintain intake of clear liquid foods. You can also add liquid foods that are thick. In conclusion, full liquid-based foods are the diet for one to three weeks after surgery.
You can add foods such as porridge, ripe fruits, well-cooked vegetables, boil eggs into your diet.
Weeks 4-5
You would still have to eat soft foods. You can have toast and salads. For proteins, intake minced meats, cheese, and boiled, scrambled, or poached eggs.
Week 6
You can begin eating your regular diet. Just make sure that there are no unhealthy foods in your diet. Mince well on your food before swallowing. Take mashed vegetables, cooked meat, soft fish, ripe fruits, etc.
Foods To Avoid After Hiatal Hernia Surgery
There are certain foods that you should steer off from after hiatal hernia surgery. Avoid foods that can spike your acid reflux and strain your digestive tract.
Stay away from the following foods until swallowing is easy:
- Spicy foods
- Acidic fruits such as lemon, orange, etc.
- Acidic vegetables such as chilies, tomatoes, onions, etc.
- Carbonated drinks
- Grilled and fried meat
- Hard biscuits and snacks
- Rice
- Bead
Lifestyle Changes For A Better Recovery
To have a better recovery it is highly recommended to have certain lifestyle changes after hiatal hernia surgery.
These small changes can create a significant positive impact on your recovery.
Driving
Avoid driving by yourself right after surgery. Have someone drive you around for at least six to eight weeks after surgery.
Drive on your own only when you do not feel any pain from your surgery. Also, avoid driving if you are on pain medication as it can make you drowsy.
Quitting Smoking and Alcohol
Nicotine-based products and alcohol can irritate your esophagus. This can affect your recovery.
Also, smoking and alcohol can cause infection in your operated area and cause surgical wounds to bleed.
Eating Frequency
Take light meals throughout the day. Break down your meals into smaller quantities and take them at regular intervals. The same is true with drinking water as well.
Sleep Style
Do not go to bed right after dinner. Sit straight for at least an hour before going to sleep. Sleep with your head elevated a little bit. This will aid in digestion and reduce heartburn.
Conclusion
Following the right diet can help a lot with your recovery. Your physician will prescribe your post-op diet after your surgery.
Suppose there are foods that you cannot eat consult with your healthcare provider and adopt an alternative food or diet. Just do not plan on going on fasting.
All the best on your recovery and dietary following!
To know more about the diet to take after hiatal hernia repair contact a hernia specialist.
