Fundolipication is a surgical procedure to treat gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, a digestive disorder caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus. Heartburn is a painful symptom of GERD. Left untreated, GERD can cause narrowing of the esophagus, bleeding and ulcers. GERD is often due to a faulty lower esophageal sphincter that normally prevents the flow of acids back into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia, a stomach protrusion into the abdomen through a hole in the diaphragm, can also cause GERD. This causes the lower esophageal sphincter to fail. Your doctor can assess other causes of GERD and may treat this condition trough dietary and lifestyle changes, and medications. Fundolipication becomes the treatment option when other treatment options don't work or a patient can't or won't take medication. The surgery requires wrapping part of the stomach around the esophagus, which strengthens the valves and prevents acid from entering the esophagus. Dietary restrictions are required for at least six weeks after the surgery.
Diet Guidelines
The fundolipication diet is a temporary diet following the surgery, designed to prevent uncomfortable side effects when eating. The diet begins with liquids and slowly advances to soft foods. Six to eight small meals per day are recommended to prevent feeling too full. General recommendations for eating include sitting upright while eating and for 20 minutes after eating, as well as sipping or chewing slowly, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages. You also shouldn't chew gum and should avoid hard or tough foods like dried meat, dried fruit, chips, crackers, nuts, seeds, as well as peanut butter.
Stage One
The first stage of the diet consists of clear liquids. This stage begins in the hospital and continues for at least three days or usually two weeks. Allowable clear liquids include apple juice, grape juice, broth and consommé, gelatin, popsicles and decaf coffee, but no milk.
Stage Two
The next stage is the full liquid diet; you should attempt it only after you can tolerate clear liquids well. This stage should last approximately a week. Full liquids include milk, cream of wheat or rice, ice cream, yogurt, milkshakes and fruit and vegetable juices. You may continue consuming clear liquids. Nutrition supplement drinks are encouraged to ensure optimal nutrition.
Stage Three
Stage three introduces blenderized and soft foods. To puree solid foods, add equal amounts of solid and liquid and blend. Remove seeds or large chunks. Meats, casseroles, fruits and vegetables are good candidates for pureeing. Other allowable foods include clear liquids, full liquids, mashed potatoes and cooked cereals. This stage should last about four weeks.
Stage Four
The last stage adds more soft foods that are easy to digest. You can soften some foods, such as cereals, crackers and breads, with milk. Other soft foods include pasta and rice, soft cooked fruits and vegetables, tender meats with gravies, soft cheeses, cottage cheese, scrambled or soft cooked eggs, fish without bones and bananas. This stage continues until eight weeks post-surgery. You can resume a regular diet after eight weeks if you've tolerated all other foods well.
