Laparoscopic GERD & Anti-Reflux Surgery in Vadodara

Q: Is GERD surgery considered a major surgery?

Yes, GERD surgery is a major abdominal operation — but with the laparoscopic (keyhole) approach, the physical impact is much smaller than open surgery. Five small incisions of 5-12 mm are used. Hospital stay is 2-3 days, return to desk work within 1-2 weeks, and most patients feel the quality of life improvement from relief of reflux symptoms begins within the first few weeks.

Q: What is the success rate of laparoscopic GERD surgery?

Success rates are very high — over 90% of patients report significant or complete relief from reflux symptoms at 10-year follow-up. Approximately 85-90% of patients are completely medication-free at 5 years. Success depends on proper patient selection, thorough pre-operative workup (manometry, pH study), and surgical technique. Dr Samir Contractor performs a mandatory pre-operative evaluation to ensure surgery is the right option for each patient.

Q: Can GERD be permanently cured with surgery?

In the majority of cases, yes. Surgery recreates a functional anti-reflux mechanism at the gastro-oesophageal junction that prevents acid from flowing into the oesophagus. Over 90% of patients achieve lasting relief at 10 years. Maintaining a healthy weight after surgery is important — significant weight gain can stretch the fundoplication wrap and reduce its effectiveness over time.

Q: How long does laparoscopic GERD surgery take?

The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours. This includes the hiatal hernia repair (if present), division of the short gastric vessels to allow adequate gastric mobilisation, and the fundoplication itself (wrapping the stomach around the oesophagus and securing it with sutures). Complex cases — large paraesophageal hernias, revisional surgery, or obesity — may take slightly longer.

Q: What is Nissen fundoplication?

Nissen fundoplication is the most commonly performed and best-studied anti-reflux operation. The upper portion of the stomach (fundus) is wrapped completely (360 degrees) around the lower oesophagus and sutured in position over a calibration bougie. This recreates a competent valve at the gastro-oesophageal junction, preventing acid reflux while allowing food to pass through normally. It is the gold-standard surgical treatment for GERD with over 40 years of outcomes data.

Q: Is laparoscopic fundoplication safe?

Yes. Laparoscopic fundoplication is a well-established and very safe procedure when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons following rigorous pre-operative workup. Serious complications occur in under 1% of cases. The most common side effect is temporary dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) in the first 4-6 weeks as post-operative swelling settles — this is expected, not a complication, and resolves on its own.

Q: Can GERD surgery be performed on children?

Yes. In select cases of severe reflux unresponsive to medical management — particularly in children with neurological conditions, respiratory complications of reflux, or failure to thrive — laparoscopic fundoplication may be considered. The decision requires careful evaluation by a specialist team.

Q: How long does it take to heal after GERD surgery?

Most patients return to light desk work within 1-2 weeks. The dietary progression — liquid for 2 weeks, puree for weeks 2-4, soft food for weeks 4-8, normal food from week 8 — allows the wrap to heal without being dislodged by a large food bolus. Full physical recovery and the ability to eat all foods normally is typically achieved by 8-12 weeks.

Q: Can I eat everything after GERD surgery?

Initially you will follow a strict liquid and soft diet for 6-8 weeks. After this, the vast majority of patients can eat all foods without restriction. The fundoplication does make it more difficult to vomit and burp forcefully — so overeating and carbonated drinks should be avoided permanently. In the long term, most patients eat a completely normal Indian diet including all spices, dal, roti and rice without any discomfort.

Q: Can you live a normal life after GERD surgery?

Yes — and for most patients, life after GERD surgery is significantly better than before, because the constant burden of heartburn, regurgitation, sleep disruption, and medication dependency is removed. Over 85% of patients are medication-free at 5 years. The main long-term lifestyle adaptation is avoiding overeating and extremely large meals, since the stomach capacity is slightly reduced by the wrap.

Understanding the condition

GERD, hiatus hernia & laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common digestive problems affecting people today. Many patients experience persistent heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, or difficulty swallowing that does not improve with lifestyle changes or medications. Over time, untreated GERD can significantly affect quality of life, disrupt sleep, and lead to complications such as oesophagitis, Barrett's oesophagus, or strictures.

For patients who continue to suffer despite medication, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (Nissen fundoplication) offers a permanent, long-term solution. Using minimally invasive techniques, the surgery restores the natural barrier between the stomach and oesophagus — reducing reflux and providing lasting relief that medications cannot achieve.

At Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara, we combine over 25 years of surgical expertise, modern laparoscopic technology, and a patient-first philosophy to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care.

What is laparoscopic GERD surgery?

Normally, a muscular valve called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) prevents stomach acid from flowing backward into the oesophagus. In GERD, this valve becomes weak or relaxed — allowing acid and stomach contents to reflux upward. A hiatus hernia (where part of the stomach herniates through the diaphragm into the chest) further weakens this barrier.

Laparoscopic GERD surgery corrects both problems simultaneously. The hiatal hernia is repaired and the gastric fundus (upper stomach) is wrapped around the lower oesophagus to recreate a competent valve — a fundoplication. The laparoscopic approach uses 5 small incisions and is performed entirely through keyhole instruments.

90%+

Medication-free at 10 years

The landmark outcome data for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication — the gold standard anti-reflux operation worldwide.

1–2 days

Hospital stay

Most patients are discharged 24–48 hours after surgery and begin liquid diet at home.

6–8 wks

Full dietary recovery

Staged diet protocol: liquid → purée → soft → normal Indian diet from week 8.

4 tests

Mandatory pre-operative workup

OGD, manometry, 24-hr pH study, barium swallow — all required before surgical candidacy is confirmed.

Surgical options

Types of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery

The choice of fundoplication technique depends critically on oesophageal motility — assessed by pre-operative manometry. A 360° wrap on a patient with weak oesophageal motility can cause severe dysphagia.

Most Common · Gold Standard

Nissen Fundoplication (360° Complete Wrap)

The upper stomach is wrapped completely around the lower oesophagus and sutured in position over a bougie. The most effective anti-reflux operation with over 40 years of outcomes data. Used when oesophageal motility is normal.

For Weak Motility

Toupet Fundoplication (270° Posterior Partial Wrap)

A partial posterior wrap used when oesophageal manometry shows reduced motility. Provides good anti-reflux control with a lower risk of postoperative dysphagia compared to a full 360° Nissen wrap.

Anterior Approach

Dor Fundoplication (180° Anterior Wrap)

An anterior partial wrap, used in specific anatomical or motility situations. Less common than Toupet but useful when posterior dissection is limited or following oesophageal myotomy for achalasia.

Minimally Invasive Device

LINX Device Implantation

A small ring of magnetic titanium beads placed laparoscopically around the LES. Augments the sphincter without wrapping the stomach. Suitable for select patients with preserved LES function and mild-to-moderate GERD.

Before surgery

Mandatory pre-operative workup for GERD surgery

GERD surgery requires a more rigorous pre-operative evaluation than most other laparoscopic procedures. These investigations are mandatory — not optional — because they determine the right operation for each patient and significantly impact outcomes.

Upper GI Endoscopy (OGD)

Visualises the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum directly. Confirms GERD diagnosis, assesses hiatus hernia size, identifies oesophagitis grade, screens for Barrett's oesophagus, and excludes other causes of symptoms such as peptic ulcer or malignancy. Essential before any anti-reflux operation.

Oesophageal Manometry

Measures the pressure and coordination of oesophageal muscle contractions. This is the most critical test for surgical planning — it determines whether the oesophagus can handle a full 360° Nissen wrap, or whether a partial wrap (Toupet) is safer to avoid postoperative dysphagia. Also diagnoses achalasia and other motility disorders that would change the surgical approach.

24-Hour Ambulatory pH Study

A small pH sensor is placed in the oesophagus for 24 hours to objectively measure acid exposure during daily activities — eating, sleeping, exercising. Provides the definitive diagnosis of pathological acid reflux and quantifies its severity. Determines whether surgery is likely to benefit the patient. Also helps distinguish acid reflux from non-acid reflux or other diagnoses.

Barium Swallow Study

A contrast X-ray study that shows the anatomy of the oesophagus and stomach in real time. Demonstrates the size and type of hiatus hernia, assesses oesophageal clearance, identifies strictures, and helps plan the surgical approach. Particularly important for large paraesophageal hernias and revisional cases.

Why trust this content

Experience · Expertise · Authority · Trust

Every page on this site is written and medically reviewed by Dr Samir Contractor — a practising fellowship-trained surgeon — not by a content agency. Here is the evidence behind that claim.

Experience

Over 25 years of continuous surgical practice at Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara. Every claim on this page is drawn from direct clinical experience — not textbook paraphrasing.

25+ years in active surgical practice

8,000+ total procedures performed

5,000+ laparoscopic procedures

400+ bariatric procedures (sleeve & bypass)

1,500+ anorectal procedures

Senior Consultant, Sterling Hospitals since 2000

Expertise

Fellowship-trained at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh with subspecialty MIS training at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Board-certified in multiple countries.

MBBS — Medical College Baroda

MS (General Surgery) — Medical College Baroda

FRCS — Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh (UK)

FMAS — Fellow in Minimal Access Surgery

FACS — American College of Surgeons (USA)

PN1 Certified Exercise & Nutrition Coach

Authoritativeness

Affiliated with Sterling Hospitals — a leading multi-specialty hospital in Vadodara. Active member of recognised surgical bodies in India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Senior Consultant, Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara

Indian Medical Association (IMA)

Indian Assoc. of GI Endo Surgeons (IAGES)

Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI)

Association of Surgeons of India (ASI)

General Medical Council, United Kingdom

Trustworthiness

Transparent pricing published on every procedure page. Surgery recommended only when clinically indicated. 4.9★ patient rating from named, verified patient reviews.

★ 4.9 average verified patient rating

Transparent package pricing on all pages

Medical disclaimer on every page

Content last reviewed: May 2026

Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara — established institution

Surgery discussed only when clinically appropriate

Qualifications

MBBS MS — General Surgery FRCS (Edinburgh, UK) FMAS FACS (USA) PN1 Certified

Memberships & Registrations

IMA IAGES ASI OSSI GMC, United Kingdom Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh American College of Surgeons

Who is a candidate

Who should undergo laparoscopic GERD surgery?

Not everyone with heartburn requires surgery. Candidacy is determined after a complete pre-operative evaluation — not before. Surgery is recommended in specific clinical situations where the evidence clearly shows a benefit over continued medication.

✓ SURGICAL CANDIDATE Surgery typically recommended

Chronic GERD symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation) despite twice-daily proton pump inhibitors
Young patients who prefer to avoid lifelong daily medication
Regurgitation, aspiration, or respiratory symptoms (chronic cough, hoarseness) caused by reflux — conditions PPIs address poorly
Large hiatus hernia (>4 cm) — particularly with significant symptoms
Paraesophageal hernia (stomach herniated beside the oesophagus — risk of volvulus)
GERD complications: oesophagitis, Barrett's oesophagus, peptic stricture
Objective confirmation of pathological acid reflux on 24-hour pH study

✗ NOT A CANDIDATE Surgery not appropriate

Symptoms not confirmed as acid reflux on 24-hour pH study (symptoms may have another cause)
Achalasia or severe oesophageal motility disorder — fundoplication would worsen dysphagia
Symptoms well-controlled on once-daily PPIs without side effects — medical therapy is the better option
Advanced oesophageal cancer — requires different surgical approach
Patients unfit for general anaesthesia due to severe cardiorespiratory disease
Non-acid reflux (bile reflux, functional heartburn) confirmed on investigation — fundoplication would not help

Why the laparoscopic approach

Benefits of laparoscopic GERD surgery

Choosing laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery over continued medication or open surgery provides several distinct advantages — both in terms of the surgical experience and the long-term outcome.

Long-term relief — medication-free

Over 90% of patients are free of significant reflux symptoms at 10 years. 85–90% are completely off PPIs at 5 years. Surgery addresses the underlying anatomical defect — not just the symptoms — achieving what long-term medication cannot.

Smaller incisions — minimal scarring

Five incisions of 5–12 mm instead of a large upper abdominal open wound. Most patients have barely visible scars at 6 months.

Less pain, faster recovery

Keyhole surgery produces significantly less postoperative pain than open fundoplication. Most patients manage with oral analgesia. Return to desk work within 1–2 weeks compared to 4–6 weeks for open surgery.

Short hospital stay

Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days of surgery. Early mobilisation is encouraged from the first evening.

Prevents complications of untreated GERD

Barrett's oesophagus, oesophageal stricture, and chronic respiratory damage from aspiration are serious long-term consequences of untreated GERD. Surgery eliminates or arrests these complications in most cases.

Quality of life transformation

Freedom from the daily burden of heartburn, nocturnal regurgitation disrupting sleep, chronic cough, and reliance on antacids produces a measurable improvement in overall quality of life that PPIs consistently fail to achieve for severe GERD.

How it is done

The procedure — step by step

Here is what you can expect during laparoscopic GERD surgery at Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara — from anaesthesia induction to the moment the final suture is placed.

Anaesthesia and preparation

General anaesthesia is administered. You are completely asleep and pain-free throughout. The patient is positioned in reverse Trendelenburg (head-up) position, which allows the abdominal organs to fall away from the operative field by gravity — giving excellent access to the hiatus without excessive retraction.

Laparoscopic access and port placement

Five small incisions are made in the upper abdomen — typically one 10–12 mm port for the camera and four 5 mm working ports. A liver retractor is placed to hold the left liver lobe out of the operative field. Carbon dioxide gas gently inflates the abdomen, providing the working space for the laparoscopic instruments.

Hiatal dissection and hernia repair

The oesophagus is dissected free at the diaphragmatic hiatus. If a hiatus hernia is present (stomach herniating into the chest), it is carefully reduced back into the abdomen. The crura of the diaphragm — the two pillars of muscle that form the hiatal opening — are then repaired with heavy non-absorbable sutures to close the defect behind the oesophagus (posterior cruroplasty). This repairs the hiatus hernia component of GERD.

Fundoplication — creating the valve

The short gastric vessels along the upper stomach are divided to fully mobilise the gastric fundus. A bougie (a large calibration tube, typically 56 French) is passed into the stomach through the mouth by the anaesthetist to set the diameter of the wrap. The fundus is then passed behind the oesophagus and wrapped 360° around the lower 2–3 cm of oesophagus. The wrap is sutured to itself and to the oesophagus with several permanent sutures. The bougie is removed. The result is a competent, functioning valve at the gastro-oesophageal junction that prevents reflux while allowing food to pass through normally.

Closure and recovery

CO₂ gas is released, port incisions are closed with absorbable sutures, and dressings applied. You are moved to recovery. Most patients are sitting up and sipping fluids within 3–4 hours. The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours. You are transferred to the ward the same evening and discharged the following morning or the day after.

What to expect

Recovery, aftercare & post-operative diet

Recovery from laparoscopic GERD surgery is managed in stages. The dietary protocol is the most important aspect of recovery — the staged progression protects the fundoplication wrap from dislodgement while it heals.

Day 0–1

Hospital — sips and first walk

Sips of water within 3–4 hours of surgery. Walking by the evening of surgery. Mild throat soreness from the anaesthesia tube settles quickly. Mild abdominal discomfort from gas — managed with medication. Discharged the following morning for most patients.

Weeks 1–2

Clear liquids and thin fluids only

Strictly liquid diet for the first 2 weeks — this is non-negotiable. Eating solid food too early risks disrupting the healing wrap. Allowed: water, thin soups, dal water (strained, no solids), tender coconut water, dilute fruit juice, buttermilk, ORS, nutrition drinks. Drink slowly, in small sips. Avoid carbonated drinks completely.

Weeks 2–4

Puree and soft mashed foods

Progress to smooth pureed foods — mashed potato, banana, curd, soft cooked rice with plenty of water, very soft khichdi (no whole lentils), fruit smoothies without seeds. All food must be smooth — no lumps, no fibrous vegetables. Eat 5–6 small meals rather than 3 large ones. Chew everything thoroughly even at this stage.

Weeks 4–8

Soft Indian diet — return to normal cooking

Soft, well-cooked Indian food: soft roti, well-cooked dal, steamed or well-cooked sabzi (no raw salads), soft-cooked rice, curd, eggs. Avoid dry, hard or difficult-to-chew foods. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and stop eating before you feel full — the stomach capacity is slightly reduced. Return to desk work is usually possible from week 1–2.

Week 8+

Normal diet — most foods permitted

Normal Indian diet fully resumed including roti, rice, dal, sabzi, spices. Most patients can eat all foods they previously enjoyed — without the heartburn that accompanied them before surgery. The main long-term adaptation: avoid extreme overeating (the fundoplication limits stomach distension) and limit very carbonated drinks.

Indian diet progression reference

Stage	Duration	Allowed foods (Indian examples)	Avoid
Liquid	Weeks 1–2	Dal water (strained), coconut water, thin soups, buttermilk, curd lassi (thin), fruit juice (strained)	Everything solid, carbonated drinks, tea/coffee
Puree	Weeks 2–4	Curd, mashed potato, banana, smooth khichdi, blended dal, fruit smoothies, soft upma	Lumpy food, whole grains, raw vegetables, roti
Soft	Weeks 4–8	Soft roti, well-cooked dal, steamed sabzi, soft rice, eggs, paneer (soft), idli, dosa	Dry bread, hard foods, raw salad, stringy vegetables
Normal	Week 8+	All normal Indian foods — dal, roti, sabzi, rice, spices, chaat, biryani	Extreme overeating, very carbonated drinks in excess

Long-term

Lifestyle after GERD surgery

Most patients find that life after GERD surgery is significantly better than before — free from the daily burden of heartburn, antacids, and medication dependency. A few simple long-term adaptations help maintain the best outcome.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Aim for 4–5 smaller meals rather than 2–3 large ones. The fundoplication slightly reduces stomach capacity, so overeating produces discomfort. Eating to 80% fullness is the practical target.

Avoid carbonated drinks long-term

Carbonated beverages cause gas accumulation and the inability to burp this away effectively (gas-bloat effect). Avoiding or significantly limiting carbonated drinks prevents this discomfort.

Maintain a healthy weight

Weight gain after surgery stretches the fundoplication wrap and can cause reflux to return. Maintaining the weight you were at surgery (or lower) is the single most important factor in long-term success.

Medication-free long-term for most

Over 85% of patients are completely off PPIs at 5 years. Some patients choose to keep a PPI available for occasional use during periods of dietary indulgence, travel, or stress — but regular daily medication is rarely needed.

Informed consent

Potential risks & complications

Every surgery carries some risk. With laparoscopic GERD surgery, the risks are well-defined, most are temporary, and serious complications are uncommon when surgery follows thorough pre-operative evaluation.

Temporary dysphagia (swallowing difficulty)

The most common side effect — affects most patients in the first 4–6 weeks as post-operative swelling settles. Managed with the staged liquid–soft diet protocol. Severe or persistent dysphagia beyond 3 months occurs in under 5% and may require oesophageal dilatation. This risk is minimised by pre-operative manometry and correct bougie calibration.

Gas-bloat syndrome

Difficulty burping or passing wind effectively — affects approximately 10–15% of patients long-term. Caused by the wrap reducing the ability to vent gastric gas. Managed by avoiding carbonated drinks and overeating. Usually mild and well-tolerated.

Wrap slippage or herniation

The fundoplication can slip or the hiatal repair can break down — occurring in 5–8% over 10 years. Usually causes return of reflux symptoms. Can often be managed medically or with revision laparoscopic surgery if severe.

Rare complications

Bleeding, infection, or injury to nearby structures (oesophagus, stomach, spleen) are rare (<1%) with experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Conversion to open surgery is required in fewer than 2% of cases.

🛡️

Your safety and long-term outcome are our priority

With 25+ years of surgical expertise and 8,000+ successful laparoscopic procedures, our team ensures every patient undergoes the mandatory pre-operative workup, receives the correct wrap technique for their individual oesophageal physiology, and follows the structured post-operative diet protocol that protects the repair during healing.

Transparent pricing

Package rates at Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara

All-inclusive package cost — no hidden charges. Pre-operative investigations (endoscopy, manometry, 24-hr pH study) are charged separately as they are performed before the surgical decision is made.

Procedure Standard Room Deluxe Room

Laparoscopic Hiatus Hernia Repair & Nissen Fundoplication (GERD Surgery)

₹1,21,300

₹1,89,700

✓ Included in package

Surgeon fee · Anaesthesia · OT charges · Room rent (2 days) · Doctor visits · Miscellaneous

✗ Billed separately

Labs · Pharmacy · Upper GI endoscopy · Oesophageal manometry · 24-hour pH study · Barium swallow · Radiology

Pre-operative investigations are typically completed over 2–3 outpatient visits before the surgical date is set. Package includes surgeon fee, anaesthesia, OT charges, room rent (2 days) and doctor visits.

Ask about cost on WhatsApp Call Sterling Hospital

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions about laparoscopic GERD surgery

Is GERD surgery considered a major surgery?

Yes, GERD surgery is a major abdominal operation — but with the laparoscopic (keyhole) approach, the physical impact is much smaller than open surgery. Five small incisions of 5–12 mm are used. Hospital stay is 2–3 days, most patients return to desk work within 1–2 weeks, and the quality of life improvement from relief of reflux symptoms begins within the first few weeks of dietary recovery.

What is the success rate of laparoscopic GERD surgery?

Success rates are very high — over 90% of patients report significant or complete relief from reflux symptoms at 10-year follow-up. Approximately 85–90% of patients are completely medication-free at 5 years. Success depends on proper patient selection, thorough pre-operative workup (manometry, 24-hour pH study), and surgical technique. Dr Samir Contractor performs a mandatory pre-operative evaluation to ensure surgery is the right option for each patient.

Can GERD be permanently cured with surgery?

In the majority of cases, yes. Surgery recreates a functional anti-reflux mechanism at the gastro-oesophageal junction that prevents acid from flowing into the oesophagus. Over 90% of patients achieve lasting relief at 10 years. Maintaining a healthy weight after surgery is important — significant weight gain can stretch the fundoplication wrap and reduce its effectiveness over time.

How long does laparoscopic GERD surgery take?

The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours. This includes the hiatal hernia repair (if present), division of the short gastric vessels to fully mobilise the gastric fundus, and the fundoplication itself. Complex cases — large paraesophageal hernias, revisional surgery, or obesity — may take slightly longer.

What is Nissen fundoplication?

Nissen fundoplication is the most commonly performed and best-studied anti-reflux operation worldwide. The upper portion of the stomach (fundus) is wrapped completely (360°) around the lower oesophagus and sutured in position over a calibration bougie. This recreates a competent valve at the gastro-oesophageal junction, preventing acid reflux while allowing food to pass through normally. It is the gold-standard surgical treatment for GERD with over 40 years of outcomes data.

Is laparoscopic fundoplication safe?

Yes. Laparoscopic fundoplication is a well-established and very safe procedure when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons following rigorous pre-operative workup. Serious complications occur in under 1% of cases. The most common expected side effect is temporary dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) in the first 4–6 weeks as post-operative swelling settles — this is expected, not a complication, and resolves on its own.

Can GERD surgery be performed on children?

Yes. In select cases of severe reflux unresponsive to medical management — particularly in children with neurological conditions, respiratory complications of reflux, or failure to thrive — laparoscopic fundoplication may be considered. The decision requires careful evaluation by a specialist paediatric surgical team.

How long does it take to heal after GERD surgery?

Most patients return to light desk work within 1–2 weeks. The dietary progression — liquid for 2 weeks, puree for weeks 2–4, soft food for weeks 4–8, normal food from week 8 — allows the wrap to heal without being stressed by a large food bolus. Full physical recovery and the ability to eat all foods normally is typically achieved by 8–12 weeks.

Can I eat everything after GERD surgery?

After the 8-week dietary progression, the vast majority of patients can eat all foods without restriction — including spicy Indian food, dal, roti, rice, and chaat. The fundoplication does make it more difficult to vomit and to burp forcefully, so extreme overeating and large volumes of carbonated drinks should be avoided permanently. In the long term, most patients eat a completely normal Indian diet without restriction or discomfort.

Can you live a normal life after GERD surgery?

Yes — and for most patients, life after GERD surgery is significantly better than before. The constant daily burden of heartburn, nocturnal regurgitation disrupting sleep, chronic cough, and reliance on antacids is removed. Over 85% of patients are medication-free at 5 years. The main long-term lifestyle adaptation is avoiding extreme overeating and limiting very carbonated drinks.

What lifestyle changes are needed after GERD surgery?

In the first 6–8 weeks: strict liquid then soft diet, eat slowly, avoid carbonated drinks, avoid lying down immediately after meals. Long-term: eat 4–5 smaller meals rather than 2–3 large ones, avoid extreme overeating, maintain a healthy weight (weight gain stretches the wrap), and limit carbonated drinks. Most patients find these are very minor adaptations compared to the daily burden of reflux symptoms before surgery.

What are the disadvantages of laparoscopic fundoplication?

The main expected side effects are temporary dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) for 4–6 weeks, gas-bloat syndrome (difficulty burping effectively) which affects 10–15% of patients long-term, and inability to vomit forcefully. Wrap slippage occurs in 5–8% over 10 years and may require revision. The mandatory pre-operative manometry test is essential — performing a 360° wrap on a patient with weak oesophageal motility risks severe dysphagia.

How expensive is GERD surgery in Vadodara?

At Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara, the package cost for laparoscopic hiatus hernia repair and Nissen fundoplication is ₹1,21,300 for a Standard Room and ₹1,89,700 for a Deluxe Room. This includes surgeon fee, anaesthesia, OT charges, room rent for 2 days, and doctor visits. Pre-operative investigations (endoscopy, manometry, 24-hour pH study, barium swallow) are charged separately. WhatsApp +91 98245 93464 for a personalised estimate.