Diet After Nissen Fundoplication
After a Nissen fundoplication procedure, it is common to have some difficulty swallowing. The part of your body that moves food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus) will be swollen and may feel tight. It will take several weeks or months for your esophagus and stomach to heal.
The long-term success of your Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication operation is dependent upon you complying with the following dietary recommendations.
- During the three weeks following the operation no solid foods should be eaten. This is because solid food can create pressure on your surgery site and may lead to vomiting and discomfort.
- It is important that you consume foods from all food groups, to ensure that your body gets the nourishment it needs, especially after having had surgery
By following a special eating plan, you can prevent problems such as pain, swelling or pressure in the abdomen (bloating), gas, nausea, or diarrhea.
What are tips for following this plan?
Cooking
- Cook all foods until they are soft.
- Remove skins and seeds from fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Remove skin and gristle from meats before eating.
- Grind or finely mince meats before eating.
- Avoid over-cooking meat. Dry, tough meat is more difficult to swallow.
- Avoid or use small amounts of oil when cooking.
- Avoid or use small amounts of seasoning when cooking.
- Toast bread before eating. This makes it easier to swallow.
- Allow hot soups and drinks to cool before eating.
Meal planning
- Eat 6–8 small meals throughout the day.
- Right after the surgery, have a few meals that are only clear liquids. Clear liquids include:
- Water.
- Clear fruit juice (no pulp).
- Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.
- Gelatin.
- Decaffeinated tea or coffee without milk.
- Ice pops or shaved ice.
- Depending on your progress, you may move to a full liquid diet as told by your health care provider. This includes clear liquids and the following:
- Dairy and alternative milks (soy).
- Strained creamed soups.
- Ice cream or sherbet.
- Pudding.
- Nutritional supplement drinks.
- Yogurt.
- A few days after surgery, you may be able to start eating a diet of soft foods. You may need to eat according to this plan for several weeks.
- Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine and chocolate.
- Do not drink carbonated drinks or alcohol.
- Avoid foods and drinks that contain citrus or tomato.
- Do not eat sweets or sweetened drinks at the beginning of a meal. Doing that may cause your stomach to empty faster than it should (dumping syndrome).
- Avoid foods that cause gas, such as beans, peas, broccoli, or cabbage.
If dairy milk products cause diarrhea, avoid them or eat them in small amounts.
Lifestyle
- Always sit upright when eating or drinking.
- Eat slowly. Take small bites and chew food well before swallowing.
- Do not lie down after eating. Stay sitting up for 30 minutes or longer after each meal.
- Sip fluids between meals.
- Do not mix solid foods and liquids in the same mouthful.
- Limit how much you drink at one time. With meals and snacks, have 4–8 oz (120–240 mL). This is equal to ½ cup–1 cup.
- Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
Do not chew gum or drink fluids through a straw. Doing those things may cause you to swallow extra air.
Recommended foods
The items listed may not be a complete list. Talk with your dietitian about what dietary choices are best for you.
Grains
- Cooked cereals. Dry cereals softened with liquid. Cooked pasta, rice, or other grains. Toasted bread. Bland crackers, such as soda or graham crackers.
Vegetables
- Any soft-cooked vegetables after skins and seeds are removed. Vegetable juice.
Fruits
- Any soft-cooked fruits after skins and seeds are removed. Fruit juice.
Meats and other protein foods
- Tender cuts of meat, poultry, or fish after bones, skin, and gristle are removed. Poached, boiled, or scrambled eggs. Canned fish. Tofu. Creamy nut butters.
Dairy
- Milk. Yogurt. Cottage cheese. Mild cheeses.
Beverages
- Nutritional supplement drinks. Decaffeinated tea or coffee. Sports drinks.
Fats and oils
- Butter. Margarine. Mayonnaise. Vegetable oil. Smooth salad dressing.
Sweets and desserts
- Plain hard candy. Marshmallows. Pudding. Ice cream. Gelatin. Sherbet.
Seasoning and other foods
- Salt. Light seasonings. Mustard. Vinegar.
Foods to avoid
The items listed may not be a complete list. Talk with your dietitian about what dietary choices are best for you.
Grains
- High-fiber or bran cereal. Cereal with nuts, dried fruit, or coconut. Sweet breads, rolls, coffee cake, or donuts. Chewy or crusty breads. Popcorn.
Vegetables
- Tomato sauce. Tomato juice. Broccoli. Cauliflower. Cabbage. Brussels sprouts. Crunchy, raw vegetables.
Fruits
- Oranges. Grapefruit. Lemons. Limes. Citrus juices. Dried fruit. Crunchy, raw fruits.
Meats and other protein foods
- Beans, peas, and lentils. Tough or fatty meats. Fried meats, chicken, or fish. Fried eggs. Nuts and seeds. Crunchy nut butters.
Dairy
- Chocolate milk. Yogurt with chunks of fruit, nuts, seeds, or coconut. Strong cheeses.
Beverages
- Carbonated soft drinks. Alcohol. Cocoa. Hot drinks.
Fats and oils
- Bacon fat. Lard.
Sweets and desserts
- Chocolate. Candy with nuts, coconut, or seeds. Peppermint. Cookies. Cakes. Pie crust.
Seasoning and other foods
- Heavy seasonings. Chili sauce. Ketchup. Barbecue sauce. Pickles. Horseradish.
Summary
- Following this eating plan after a Nissen fundoplication is an important part of healing after surgery.
- After surgery, you will start with a clear liquid diet before you progress to full liquids and soft foods. You may need to eat soft foods for several weeks.
- Avoid eating foods that cause irritation, gas, nausea, diarrhea, or swelling or pressure in the abdomen (bloating), and avoid foods that are difficult to swallow.
- Talk with your diet and nutrition specialist (dietitian) about what dietary choices are best for you.
