Headaches After Eating with Nissen Fundoplication

Posted by skylarrandle @skylarrandle, Feb 18 8:57pm

Hello!

I had the Nissen Fundoplication and Hiatal Hernia, on Feb 6th 2025, and experiencing severe migraines every time I eat anything. These headaches/migraines make me stop everything I am doing. I have to eat very small portions as is, and with those I get the headaches. but if I lay on my left side, the headache goes away! If anyone has experienced anything like this, please send tips!

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martinmaloc | @martinmaloc | Jun 5 5:30pm

Hello! My name is Martín Malo, and I'm from Ecuador. I'm going through the exact same problem. I had a Niseen fundoplication for a hiatal hernia a little over a year ago, and the pain and how to relieve it are similar to yours. Unfortunately, to this day, no expert has been able to offer me a substantial solution. Through a pH impedance test, they concluded that it's not related to the surgery but rather an injury to the diaphragm that coincidentally occurred during or after the surgery. For this reason, they recommended Global Postural Re-education therapy, which, in general terms, seeks to improve body posture and the way I chew food. Due to time constraints, I haven't been able to focus on it as I should, but I'll leave this as a tip for you to look into. Another tip I can give you is to take Lactaid, walk for about 5 minutes after eating, and reduce or stop drinking coffee or carbonated beverages.

Today, the symptoms have decreased, so another tip I can give you is to be patient and listen to your body. If you feel like a food triggers these pains, don't eat it.

Finally, I ask that you also help me with tips and tell me a little about your experience. I don't know if you found a solution or an expert on the subject. Maybe you were able to identify a specific type or food that triggers your pain. I would greatly appreciate anything.

I wish you the best and I look forward to your response.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jun 5 8:33pm

In reply to @martinmaloc "Hello! My name is Martín Malo, and I'm from Ecuador. I'm going through the exact same..." + (show)

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @martinmaloc. Having a headache after eating following your Nissen fundoplication for the hiatal hernia sounds really difficult. I've had some of that "paying for eating" effect for a totally different reason: with taking semaglutide (Wegovy) and now tirzepatide (Zepbound). I don't experience a headache but a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms that can be pretty intense.

Tagging members who've mentioned hiatal hernia and Nissen fundoplication to see if they have had severe headache or migraine post-eating or have some ideas or tips for you @faithincrisis @shiggins1227 @marianna1968jt @natefish @cblue @faithann64 @delrenleo @diamae. I'd also like you to meet @hopeful33250.

Will you share more about how the lactose intolerance pills and the walk for about 5 minutes after eating help with the head pain or other symptoms?

lindasq | @lindasq | Jun 6 3:13pm

In reply to @martinmaloc "Hello! My name is Martín Malo, and I'm from Ecuador. I'm going through the exact same..." + (show)

Ask for a referral for pelvic floor PT to help strengthen the diaphram through certain breathing exercises, as well as other exercises, Read the article on consumer lab.com re all the functions of melatonin. google every food , spice, herb, tea etc before eating as ask if it is OK with weak LES. I know it is frustrating, medicine doesn’t have a lot of needed answers, but there are great studies on NIH to discuss with your doctor.