Patient Recovery Guide
Recovering from laparoscopic Heller myotomy
Your week-by-week guide
Achalasia makes the valve at the bottom of the esophagus fail to relax, making swallowing difficult. A Heller myotomy cuts the tight muscle fibres of this valve so food can pass normally. Dr. Irshad performs it laparoscopically, typically adding a partial fundoplication to reduce reflux risk. Instructions from Dr. Irshad’s team always take precedence.
Preparing for your surgery
2–4 weeks before surgery
- Stop blood thinners as specifically directed by Dr. Irshad’s team. Do NOT stop without guidance.
- Stop herbal supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic tablets).
- Begin transitioning to a soft or liquid diet as advised, to help empty the esophagus before surgery.
1 week before surgery
- Attend pre-admission testing if scheduled at Brampton Civic Hospital.
- Transition to a full liquid diet if instructed by Dr. Irshad’s team.
- Arrange 2–3 weeks of help at home.
- Fill all post-operative prescriptions.
The night before and day of surgery
- Nothing to eat after midnight. Clear fluids until 2 hours before arrival.
- Take only approved medications with a small sip of water.
- No jewelry, nail polish, or contact lenses.
- Confirm your driver — you cannot drive yourself home.
Your recovery timeline
Enter your procedure date to highlight roughly where you are in your recovery. This is a general guide — your team’s instructions always come first.
Hospital (1–2 days)
- Most patients go home the following day
- Pain is managed with oral medications
- You will begin clear fluids by mouth once the team confirms you are ready
Week 1–2
- Liquid diet only. Eat slowly and sit upright during and after meals
- Take all pain medications as prescribed
- Short, gentle walks only. No lifting over 5 lbs
Week 3–4
- Progress to soft, pureed foods
- Continue eating small portions and chewing thoroughly
- Most patients feel significantly better
- No driving until off narcotic pain medication
Week 5–6
- Gradual return to normal foods as tolerated
- Follow-up appointment with Dr. Irshad
- Return to desk work typically around this time
6+ weeks
- Return to all normal activities and diet as advised by Dr. Irshad
- Physical work cleared at follow-up appointment
Eating well after Heller myotomy
- Eat slowly — take at least 20 minutes per meal.
- Chew every bite thoroughly before swallowing.
- Sit upright during meals and for at least 30 minutes afterward.
- Eat small portions — do not overfill your stomach.
- Avoid tough meats, dry bread, and foods that previously caused you problems.
- Do not eat immediately before lying down or going to sleep.
Reflux after Heller myotomy: the myotomy weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, which can allow acid reflux. Dr. Irshad adds an anti-reflux procedure at the same time to reduce this risk. Some patients still benefit from reflux medication (such as omeprazole) long-term. Report any significant heartburn or regurgitation to our clinic.
Warning signs — when to seek care
Go to Emergency or call 911 if you experience:
- Sudden, severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain that is new or worsening
- Fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F)
- Signs of wound infection: redness, warmth, swelling, or pus at an incision
- Coughing up blood
- A swollen or painful leg (possible blood clot)
Call our clinic at (905) 458-4520 if you have:
- Return of difficulty swallowing that is worsening rather than improving
- Significant heartburn or regurgitation
- Nausea or vomiting preventing you from eating or taking medications
- Pain not controlled by your prescribed medications
- Any concern about your recovery
Common questions about recovery
How long is recovery after laparoscopic Heller myotomy?
Most patients stay in hospital 1–2 days and go home the following day. You return to desk work around weeks 5–6 and to all normal activities and diet at 6 or more weeks, as advised by Dr. Irshad.
What can I eat after a Heller myotomy?
Diet advances gradually: a liquid diet only for weeks 1–2, progressing to soft, pureed foods in weeks 3–4, then a gradual return to normal foods as tolerated in weeks 5–6. Eat slowly (at least 20 minutes per meal), chew thoroughly, sit upright during and after meals, and eat small portions.
When can I drive after a Heller myotomy?
Do not drive until you are off narcotic pain medication.
When should I seek care after a Heller myotomy?
Go to Emergency or call 911 for sudden severe shortness of breath, new or worsening chest pain, a fever above 38.5°C, signs of wound infection, coughing up blood, or a swollen or painful leg. Call the clinic at (905) 458-4520 for worsening difficulty swallowing, significant heartburn or regurgitation, vomiting that prevents eating or medication, or pain not controlled by your medications.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Instructions given to you by Dr. Irshad’s team always take precedence. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately. Published in compliance with the CPSO Advertising Standards Policy.
Questions about your recovery?
Dr. Kashif Irshad — Division of Thoracic Surgery, William Osler Health System, Brampton Civic Hospital. Tel: (905) 458-4520 · Fax: (905) 458-4080 · thoracic@williamoslerhs.ca
Contact the clinic →