After reflux surgery: diet and recovery

Recovery after laparoscopic reflux surgery is usually quick. In the first weeks, however, your body has to get used to the new valve. Here you will find what you can expect and what you should look out for. You will receive your personal instructions when you are discharged.

The first days

You may get up and drink fluids as early as the day of the operation. Most patients leave hospital the day after surgery. Pain is usually moderate and can be treated well with painkillers, which you will usually only need for a few days. Shoulder pain in the first few days is common – it comes from the gas used to expand the abdominal cavity during the operation.

Diet after fundoplication

Immediately after the operation, the wrap and the junction with the stomach are slightly swollen. For this reason, a liquid and soft diet applies for roughly the first two weeks:

• soups, yoghurt, pudding, purée, soft-cooked dishes, finely chopped vegetables,
• small portions; eat slowly, chew well and sit upright,
• avoid for the time being: dry meat, fresh bread and pastries, larger amounts of rice, raw vegetables and carbonated drinks.

After that, you can gradually return to a normal diet. Most people tolerate all foods again after a few weeks.

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

A feeling of pressure, or the sensation that food goes down more slowly, is normal in the first weeks. It usually improves within weeks to a few months. If the symptoms persist for longer or are severe, please get in touch – dilatation during a gastroscopy often helps in such cases.

Bloating and belching

Because it is harder to belch up air, bloating and a feeling of fullness are common at first. Eating slowly and avoiding chewing gum and carbonated drinks helps. The symptoms usually subside.

Physical activity, work and sport

• Walking is encouraged from the start.
• For about two months you should avoid heavy lifting and strong straining of the abdominal muscles, so that the suture at the diaphragm heals well.
• With office work you are often fit to work again after one to two weeks; with heavy physical work, later.
• You can drive as soon as you are free of pain and no longer need strong painkillers.

Follow-up checks and aftercare

The first check-up takes place at my practice in the week after the operation. We will arrange further check-ups depending on your progress. You can usually stop acid suppressants after the operation; please discuss this with me. If you have Barrett’s oesophagus, regular gastroscopies will still be necessary.

I also remain available for your questions after you are discharged.

Medical content by Priv. Doz. Dr. Emanuel Sporn
Specialist in Surgery, Visceral Surgery and Vascular Surgery, former Associate Professor at the Department of Surgery, Vienna University Hospital. More about me
Last medically reviewed: 10 October 2026