Recovery from laparoscopic fundoplication is generally shorter and more manageable than many people expect going in, though there are some specific adjustments during the healing period worth knowing about ahead of time.
The general timeline
Most people go home within one to two days after laparoscopic surgery, and many return to normal daily activities within two to four weeks, though this varies by individual and by the specifics of the procedure performed. Full internal healing takes longer than the point at which you feel mostly back to normal.
Dietary adjustments during recovery
A temporary liquid or soft-food diet, gradually progressing to more solid foods over several weeks, is standard, since the surgical site needs time to heal before handling normal solid food comfortably. Eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly matter more than usual during this period.
Common temporary side effects
Difficulty burping or a bloated feeling, mild difficulty swallowing, and gas-related discomfort are common in the weeks after surgery as the body adjusts to the new anatomy, and these generally improve over the following weeks to months as swelling from the surgery resolves and the tissue settles.
When to contact your surgical team
Severe or worsening pain, fever, signs of infection at incision sites, or an inability to keep any food or liquid down should be reported to your surgical team promptly rather than waiting to see if they resolve on their own.
