If you have undergone a Nissen Fundoplication surgery, your doctor may advise avoiding chocolate in your diet. But why is that? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this recommendation and alternatives to chocolate that are safe for you to consume.
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What is Nissen Fundoplication?
Nissen Fundoplication is a surgical procedure commonly used to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). During the surgery, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
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Why Should Chocolate Be Avoided after Nissen Fundoplication?
Chocolate is a trigger food for GERD, which can cause or worsen symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. After Nissen Fundoplication surgery, the LES is strengthened to reduce the symptoms of GERD, but it is still not as strong as a healthy LES. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can relax the LES and cause acid reflux.
Additionally, chocolate is high in fat and can cause delayed stomach emptying, contributing to acid reflux symptoms. For these reasons, doctors generally advise patients to avoid chocolate in their diet after Nissen Fundoplication surgery.
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What are the Alternatives to Chocolate?
If you are craving something sweet after your surgery, plenty of alternatives to chocolate are safe for you to consume. Some examples include:
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, pears, and melons are all great options for a sweet treat.
- Yogurt: Low-fat, plain yogurt is a good source of protein and can be flavored with honey or fruit.
- Sorbet: Sorbet is a frozen dessert made with fruit and sugar and is a refreshing and low-fat option.
- Jell-O: Gelatin desserts are a low-fat and easy-to-digest option that can satisfy a sweet tooth.
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Can You Eat Chocolate After the Nissen Fundoplication?
In general, it is best to avoid chocolate after Nissen Fundoplication surgery to prevent symptoms of GERD. However, some patients may be able to tolerate small amounts of chocolate without any problems. It is best to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding chocolate.
Read Also: Is Hot Chocolate Good for Your Sore Throat
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What are Trigger Foods after Nissen Fundoplication?
In addition to chocolate, there are several other trigger foods that you should avoid after Nissen Fundoplication surgery to prevent symptoms of GERD.
These include:
- Fatty foods: Fried foods, high-fat meats, and full-fat dairy products can cause acid reflux symptoms.
- Spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn.
- Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits and juices are highly acidic and can worsen GERD symptoms.
- Carbonated beverages: Carbonated beverages can cause bloating and contribute to acid reflux symptoms.
Conclusion,
Nissen Fundoplication surgery can relieve GERD symptoms, but it is essential to follow a proper diet to prevent symptoms from recurring. Chocolate is a trigger food that should be avoided due to its caffeine, theobromine, and high-fat content. However, there are plenty of alternatives that are safe and satisfying. Avoiding other trigger foods and consulting with your doctor or a registered dietitian if you have any questions or concerns is essential. Following these guidelines can improve your quality of life and manage GERD effectively.
FAQs
Q: What is Nissen Fundoplication?
A: Nissen Fundoplication is a surgical procedure used to treat GERD by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and preventing stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
Q: Why should chocolate be avoided after Nissen Fundoplication?
A: Chocolate is a trigger food for GERD and contains caffeine and theobromine, which can relax the LES and cause acid reflux. Additionally, chocolate is high in fat and can cause delayed stomach emptying, contributing to acid reflux symptoms.
Q: Can you eat chocolate after Nissen Fundoplication?
A: Generally, it is best to avoid chocolate after Nissen Fundoplication surgery to prevent symptoms of GERD. However, some patients may be able to tolerate small amounts of chocolate without any problems. It is best to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding chocolate.
Q: What are trigger foods after Nissen Fundoplication?
A: Besides chocolate, other trigger foods that should be avoided after Nissen Fundoplication surgery include fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, and carbonated beverages.