Last updated: 02/17/2009

Patients should be able to participate in light physical activity at home in the days following discharge from the hospital. In the days and weeks following surgery, anti-reflux medication should not be necessary. Pain following this surgery...

is usually mild, but some patients may need pain medication. Some patients are instructed to limit food intake to a liquid diet in the days following surgery. Over a period of days, they are advised to gradually add solid foods to their diet. Patients should ask the surgeon about the post-operative diet. Such normal activities, as lifting, work, driving, showering, and sexual intercourse can usually be resumed within a short period of time. If pain is more than mild and pain medication is not effective, then the surgeon should be consulted in a follow-up appointment.

The patient should call the doctor if any of the following symptoms develop:

• drainage from the incision region
• swallowing difficulties
• persistent cough
• shortness of breath
• chills
• persistent fever
• bleeding
• significant abdominal pain or swelling
• persistent nausea or vomiting