Your Recovery
The doctor wrapped the upper part of your stomach (fundus) around the lower part of your esophagus. This prevents stomach acid from moving back into the esophagus.
You may be sore and have some pain in your belly for several weeks after surgery. If you had laparoscopic surgery, you also may have pain near your shoulder for a day or two after surgery.
It may be hard for you to swallow for up to 6 weeks after the surgery. You may also have cramping in your belly, feel bloated, or pass more gas than before. When you burp, you may not get as much relief as you did before the surgery. The cramping and bloating usually go away in 2 to 3 months, but you may continue to pass more gas for a long time.
Because the surgery makes your stomach a little smaller, you may get full more quickly when you eat. In 2 to 3 months, the stomach adjusts. You will be able to eat your usual amounts of food.
How quickly you recover depends on which type of surgery you had. After laparoscopic surgery, most people can go back to work or their normal routine in about 2 to 3 weeks, depending on their work. After open surgery, you may need 4 to 6 weeks to get back to your normal routine.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter H033 in the search box to learn more about "Fundoplication Surgery: What to Expect at Home".