If you need hiatal hernia surgery, you are provably wondering what will happen after the surgery. How long is recovery time? What can I expect after the surgery? We have the answers to all of your hiatal hernia surgery questions.
What is a Hiatal Hernia Surgery?
Hiatal hernias occur when a portion of the stomach extends up through the diaphragm into the chest. This can cause severe acid reflux or GERD symptoms. Surgery can repair a hiatal hernia by pulling the stomach back into the abdomen and making the opening in the diaphragm smaller to prevent it from happening again.
Who Needs Surgery for Hiatal Hernias?
Not everyone needs surgery. But people with severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments may require surgery. If you have dangerous symptoms, surgery may be your only option. This includes things like bleeding, ulcers, scarring, or narrowing of the esophagus. The good news is that the surgery has a 90% success rate.
Hiatal Hernia Recovery Time
Individual cases vary but typically you will spend at least one night in the hospital. It takes three or four weeks to fully recover. The first 48 hours after surgery you need to avoid sex, driving, or lifting anything over 10 pounds. We do encourage you to walk around though.
During the first two weeks you may need to stick to softer foods that are easier to swallow. After two weeks, you will have a follow up appointment with your surgeon. You should be feeling less pain and discomfort. You can start driving and return to sexual activity. You may also be able to return to a normal diet.
Unless your job requires heavy lifting or physical labor, you should be able to return to work and normal activities within 4 weeks. After 6-12 weeks, you should be able to return to heavy lifting and exercise.
Pain Management
Managing pain and discomfort after surgery is important. Your provider may prescribe medication to help with the pain, but you can also take OTC medication like ibuprofen and Tylenol. A heating pad may also help reduce discomfort.
Hiatal Hernia Surgery Recovery Time
We understand that surgery can be scary, but correcting hiatal hernias is important and you will feel much better after. To learn more about surgery, please contact Maryland Bariatrics today.
