Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- The wrap that stops acid coming up also holds air down. So burping is harder, and the belly can feel full and tight.
- Swallow less air. Avoid fizzy drinks, straws and chewing gum, eat slowly with your mouth closed, and take a short walk after meals.
- Call your surgeon if your belly becomes hard and painful, you retch without bringing anything up, or you cannot pass wind.
After a hiatal hernia repair with a wrap, many people feel full of gas. The belly feels tight after meals, burping is harder and they pass more wind.
This page explains why this happens and what helps.
Why the wrap causes gas
In most hiatal hernia repairs, the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower food pipe. The wrap works like a valve. It stops acid and food from coming back up.
The same valve also holds air down. Everyone swallows some air while eating and drinking. Before the operation it came up as a burp. Now some of it stays in the stomach and moves down into the bowel, which causes bloating and wind.
Habits that add air, and what to do instead
Habits that add air, and what to do instead
| Habit | Why it adds gas | Try instead |
|---|---|---|
| Fizzy drinks and soda | They release gas in the stomach | Plain water, buttermilk or lemon water |
| Drinking through a straw | Each sip pulls in air | Sip from a cup |
| Chewing gum | You swallow air while chewing | Leave it out for now |
| Eating fast or talking while eating | Air goes down with the food | Small bites, mouth closed |
| Large meals | A full stomach presses on the wrap | Five or six small meals |
| Lying down soon after eating | Gas collects and feels worse | A short, slow walk |
Is bloating after your hiatal hernia repair getting in the way of eating? Bring it up at your review.
Foods that cause more gas
Some foods make more gas in the bowel. Large helpings of rajma, chole, cabbage, cauliflower and onions are common ones. You do not need to give them up for good. Eat smaller amounts at first and see which ones bother you.
Milk and sweets also cause gas in some people. A food diary for a week or two often shows a clear pattern.
What usually helps
- Walk for ten to fifteen minutes after meals.
- Eat slowly and stop before you feel full.
- Keep stools soft with water, fruit and fibre, as constipation adds to bloating.
- Ask your surgeon before taking any gas or acid medicine.
Will it settle?
For most people the bloating becomes milder over the first few months. Eating habits change and the repair settles. Many people learn to bring up small amounts of air again.
If bloating is still strong after several months, tell your surgeon. It can usually be eased, and a check can rule out other causes.
Warning signs to report
Warning signs to report
- Your belly is hard, swollen and painful.
- You retch again and again without bringing anything up.
- You cannot pass wind or stool.
- You have severe chest or upper belly pain.
These need a call to your surgeon or a hospital visit the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I not burp after hiatal hernia surgery?
The wrap that stops acid coming up also makes it harder for air to come up. This is expected after a wrap.
Will the bloating go away?
For most people it becomes milder over the first few months as they change eating habits and the repair settles.
Can I still vomit after a wrap?
Vomiting may be harder than before. If you feel very sick, take the anti-sickness tablets your surgeon prescribed and call if it continues.
Why am I passing more wind?
Air that cannot come up as a burp moves down through the bowel instead. Swallowing less air reduces it.
When is bloating a reason to call?
Call if your belly becomes hard and painful, you retch without bringing anything up, or you cannot pass wind or stool.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.