How long is recovery after hiatal hernia surgery?

← All patient questions

Short answer: Most people go home after an overnight hospital stay and feel much better within a few weeks. The main adjustment is diet: you start with liquids and soft foods while the repair heals, then return to regular food over several weeks.

In the hospital

Many patients stay one night; some go home the same day and some need a little longer. You will be up and walking soon after surgery, which helps prevent blood clots and speeds recovery.

The first few weeks at home

Diet: liquids first, then soft foods. Small meals, eaten slowly and chewed well, work best. You will get written instructions.
Swallowing: food may feel slow to go down at first. This usually improves as swelling settles.
Gas and bloating: avoid carbonated drinks and straws early on.
Activity: walk every day. Avoid heavy lifting and straining for the period Dr. Tufts recommends.
Work and driving: many people return to desk work within a couple of weeks. Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medicine.

Protecting your repair long term

Keeping a healthy weight matters. Recurrence is much more likely when BMI is over 35, which is why Dr. Tufts may recommend weight loss before surgery for some patients. Follow-up visits let him check your healing, diet and symptoms.

When to see a surgeon

If you are considering repair and want to know what recovery would look like for you, a consultation is the best place to start.

Get urgent care: After surgery, call the office for fever, increasing pain, redness at an incision or trouble keeping liquids down. Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing or vomiting blood.

Learn more: Recovery and what to expect · Hiatal hernia & anti-reflux surgery guide

Talk with Dr. Tufts

Dr. Tufts is a minimally invasive and endoscopic general surgeon. To have your symptoms evaluated or talk through your options, call (941) 391-5102 to schedule a visit at Charlotte Harbor Surgical, 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980. We see patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood, Cape Coral and North Fort Myers and across Southwest Florida.

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Matthew Tufts, MD, FACS, a board-certified minimally invasive and endoscopic general surgeon in Port Charlotte, FL. Last reviewed 2026-11-11.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Every patient is different. Dr. Tufts will review your history, exam and test results with you and explain the options, benefits and risks that apply to you.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tufts

Call Charlotte Harbor Surgical in Port Charlotte. Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 noon.

Call (941) 391-5102 Patient portal