Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication offers permanent relief to patients with moderate to severe heartburn symptoms, with a short recuperative period. Due to the brief hospital stay, the need to define a post-fundoplication diet was recognized.

Diet may be progressed from clear liquids on the day of surgery, to solid foods the following morning. Patients need foods that are easy to swallow, including fluids and soft moist foods. Most patients progress to a regular diet in 2–3 weeks.

To meet the specific post-operative needs of this patient, the post-fundoplication diet was designed to provide easily tolerated foods of high nutritional value. The diet was developed with the approval of the surgeon involved, and then included in the hospital diet manual. Food Service and Nursing personnel were educated about the post-fundoplication diet.

Before discharge, the dietitian provides individualized diet instruction. Numerous patients, the physician, and nursing staff have commented positively on the benefits of having specific diet guidelines.