Recovery Guides. What to expect after surgery.

OVERVIEW

Recovery is part of the treatment

Most patients recover faster than expected, but only if they follow the guidelines. The most common mistake is doing too much too soon. Fatigue is heavily underestimated; even patients who feel okay are doing significant healing work in the first two weeks.

The one rule that covers everything: When in doubt, slow down and call us. Pain getting worse, a fever, or anything that worries you, call (408) 688-5871. We'd rather hear from you than have you wait on something that needed attention.

GENERAL RULES

Applies to every procedure

Do these

Walk from day one, short flat walks, multiple times a day
Take pain medication on schedule, don't wait until pain peaks
Keep incisions dry for 48 hours, then shower normally
Eat small, frequent meals rather than three large ones
Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily, sipped slowly

Avoid these

No lifting over 10 pounds until cleared at follow-up
No driving while on narcotic pain medication
No baths, pools, or hot tubs until incisions are fully closed (2 to 3 weeks)
No alcohol while taking pain medication

BY PROCEDURE

Recovery timeline by surgery

Anti-Reflux Surgery (Fundoplication / LINX)

Most anti-reflux procedures use a staged diet while swallowing tissues heal. Your team will tell you when to progress from liquids to soft foods and regular foods. Walk regularly, avoid lifting as directed, and call if you cannot stay hydrated or symptoms are worsening.

Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)

Many people go home the same day or after a short stay. Follow the pain, incision, activity, and diet instructions from your team. A temporary low-fat diet may be easier while digestion adjusts.

Hernia Repair (Inguinal / Ventral / Incisional)

Expect incision soreness and limited activity at first. Walking is encouraged, but lifting and strenuous activity should wait until your surgical team clears them. The timing depends on the hernia type, repair, and your recovery.

Anti-reflux patients: Do not skip diet stages. Advancing too quickly is the most common cause of post-operative complications. Follow the specific diet sheet from your pre-op appointment.

WHEN TO CALL

Warning signs vs. normal symptoms

Normal recovery can include soreness, fatigue, mild bruising, or short-term bloating. Call for fever, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, new drainage or spreading redness at an incision, inability to keep fluids down, or any change that concerns you. Seek emergency care for severe chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or uncontrolled bleeding.

FAQ

Common recovery questions

Swallowing feels tight after anti-reflux surgery. Is that normal?

Temporary tightness or slower swallowing can occur after some anti-reflux procedures because of swelling. Follow the diet stages and pace provided by your surgical team. Call the office if you cannot swallow liquids, symptoms are getting worse, food repeatedly feels stuck, or you cannot stay hydrated.

I have shoulder pain after surgery. Should I be worried?

After laparoscopic surgery, temporary shoulder discomfort can happen from the gas used to create space for the procedure. Walking as advised and following your pain-medicine instructions may help. Call the office if the pain is severe, getting worse, or comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or another concerning symptom.

I am very bloated and gassy. Is that normal?

Some bloating or gas can occur during recovery, especially after abdominal or anti-reflux procedures. Eat slowly, take small bites, follow the diet guidance you were given, and avoid advancing food faster than advised. Contact the office if bloating is severe, pain is worsening, you are repeatedly vomiting, or you cannot keep liquids down.

My incision looks a bit red. Do I need to call?

Mild bruising or a small amount of redness near an incision can occur as healing begins. Call the office if redness is spreading, the area becomes increasingly warm or painful, there is pus-like drainage, the incision opens, or you have a fever. If you are unsure, contact the team and describe what you are seeing.

When can I drink alcohol again?

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking opioid pain medicine, other sedating medication, or while your surgical team has told you to avoid it. Alcohol can increase side effects and may affect hydration and healing. Ask the office for guidance based on your procedure, medications, and recovery progress.