Hiccups After VSG: What You Should Know
Many patients experience gastric sleeve hiccups in the days or weeks following their procedure. Although hiccups may seem minor, they can feel surprisingly uncomfortable after a major operation like VSG (vertical sleeve gastrectomy). In fact, hiccups after bariatric surgery are more common than most people expect because your stomach, diaphragm, and nerves are adjusting to major structural and functional changes.
Understanding why hiccups after surgery of the gastric sleeve in Maryland happen, what triggers them, and how to manage them can make recovery smoother and less stressful. This guide explains what’s normal, what’s not, and what you can do to reduce discomfort while your body heals.
Are Hiccups Normal After VSG?
Yes, hiccups after VSG are very common and are usually part of the natural recovery process. The diaphragm, a muscle that plays a key role in breathing, can become irritated due to surgery, anesthesia, swelling, and changes in eating habits. This irritation makes the diaphragm more prone to spasms, which leads to hiccups.
Most patients notice that gastric sleeve hiccups occur:
- During or after eating
- After drinking too quickly
- When swallowing air
- When feeling stressed
- When making the transition between post-op diet phases
Most importantly, hiccups are typically harmless and temporary. For individuals still exploring the procedure, understanding the typical costs associated with gastric sleeve surgery can help set clear expectations before treatment.
Why Do You Have Hiccups After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
1. Diaphragm and Nerve Sensitivity
During VSG, the phrenic and vagus nerves can become more sensitive. Because these nerves help regulate the diaphragm, irritation often leads to hiccups after gastric sleeve surgery.
2. Pressure Changes in the Smaller Stomach
Your new stomach is significantly smaller. Even small amounts of food or liquid can create pressure that triggers gastric sleeve hiccups.
3. Eating Too Quickly
One of the biggest causes of hiccups after bariatric surgery is eating faster than your stomach can handle. Speed leads to air swallowing, irritation, and diaphragm spasms.
4. Drinking Improperly
Drinking too fast, drinking cold beverages, or sipping carbonated drinks can cause hiccups after sleeve surgery.
5. Swallowing Air (Aerophagia)
Aerophagia is especially common when:
- Talking while eating
- Drinking from straws
- Eating too fast
- Consuming carbonated beverages
This swallowed air expands inside the stomach and contributes to gastric sleeve hiccups.
6. Temperature Shock
Both very hot and very cold foods or drinks can cause temporary spasms in the esophagus and diaphragm.
7. Post-Surgical Swelling
During early recovery, the stomach lining is swollen and the diaphragm is sensitive, making hiccups more likely.
Even with temporary side effects like hiccups, many people experience long-term benefits from sleeve gastrectomy that make the recovery worthwhile.
Gas or Hiccups? Understanding the Difference
After VSG, many people confuse hiccups with gas pressure. Gas buildup can cause chest pressure, shoulder pain, or abdominal discomfort, while hiccups involve distinct diaphragm spasms.
Gas often feels like:
- Upper abdominal pressure
- Bloating
- Chest tightness
Hiccups feel like:
- Sudden contractions
- Audible “hic” sounds
- Rhythmic diaphragm spasms
Both experiences are common after VSG, but recognizing the difference helps you respond appropriately. Many patients also experience reflux after surgery, and understanding how acid reflux presents after gastric sleeve procedures can help differentiate symptoms.
When Are Hiccups After Bariatric Surgery a Concern?
Although hiccups after VSG are usually harmless, you should monitor them closely. Contact your care team if you experience:
- Hiccups lasting longer than 48–72 hours
- Severe pain with each hiccup
- Vomiting or inability to tolerate fluids
- Symptoms of dehydration
- Fever or chills
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain unrelated to the hiccup reflex
Persistent gastric sleeve hiccups can occasionally be linked to complications such as inflammation, dehydration, or gastrointestinal obstruction.
How To Stop Hiccups After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
1. Slow Down Your Eating
Speed is the #1 trigger for gastric sleeve hiccups. Try:
- Taking tiny bites
- Chewing thoroughly
- Pausing between bites
- Putting utensils down often
2. Control Your Portions
Overeating, even by a few bites, can irritate the stomach sleeve and produce hiccups after gastric sleevemeals.
3. Follow Proper Hydration Techniques
- Sip slowly
- Avoid straws
- Skip carbonated drinks
- Choose room-temperature liquids
Cold beverages can aggravate hiccups after sleeve surgery, while carbonation increases stomach pressure. Beverages like coffee can also influence early digestion and stomach sensitivity, so understanding when and how to reintroduce them is helpful during recovery.
4. Practice Diaphragmatic Breathing
Deep breathing helps relax the diaphragm:
- Inhale slowly through your nose
- Hold gently
- Release through pursed lips
This can significantly reduce hiccups after bariatric surgery, especially those triggered by stress or swallowing air.
5. Maintain an Upright Position After Eating
Remaining upright for 20–30 minutes helps prevent stomach pressure and irritation.
6. Identify Personal Triggers
Potential triggers include:
- Eating too fast
- Drinking cold liquids
- Spicy foods
- Stress
- Carbonation
Keeping track of your symptoms can help reduce future occurrences.
Tips for Reducing Painful or Persistent Hiccups
- Choose warm liquids instead of very hot or cold
- Stick to the recommended eating schedule
- Avoid tight clothing that increases pressure on the abdomen
- Walk gently after meals
- Reduce stress and practice mindfulness
- Avoid foods that cause bloating
These steps help ease gastric sleeve hiccups and improve overall post-op comfort. Following the recommended post-surgery diet stages is also important, as eating the wrong textures or advancing too quickly can contribute to hiccups.
What If My Hiccups Don’t Go Away?
If hiccups persist for several days, worsen, or interfere with fluid intake, reach out to your medical team. Rarely, persistent gastric sleeve hiccups may indicate:
- Nerve irritation
- Severe dehydration
- A stricture
- Stomach inflammation
- Staple-line issues
Early evaluation helps prevent complications. For some individuals, reviewing how gastric sleeve surgery compares to other bariatric procedures can help guide future decisions if symptoms persist long-term.
Final Takeaway
Hiccups are a normal and expected part of recovery after VSG. While gastric sleeve hiccupscan be annoying or uncomfortable, they typically improve as swelling decreases and you become more accustomed to eating slowly. By practicing mindful eating, following proper hydration guidelines, and identifying triggers, most patients can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of hiccups after surgery.
If hiccups become severe, interfere with eating or drinking, or persist for several days, the bariatric specialists at Ascension Saint Agnes Bariatric Surgery can help assess your symptoms and guide your recovery. Their experienced team provides personalized support throughout your VSG journey. Why not reach out today for a free consultation? You deserve to walk around at the weight you’ve always dreamed of. And we can help you through having hiccups after sleeve surgery, as well as how to minimize them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hiccups common after gastric sleeve surgery?
Yes. Most patients experience hiccups because the stomach and diaphragm are adjusting to changes after surgery.
How long do hiccups after bariatric surgery usually last?
They often appear intermittently for several days or weeks, especially during the early recovery period.
Why do hiccups hurt after VSG?
The diaphragm is more sensitive during healing. When it spasms, it can feel sharper or more painful than a typical hiccup.
Do hiccups mean I’m eating too fast?
Yes, rapid eating or drinking is one of the most common triggers for hiccups after gastric sleevesurgery.
When should I worry about hiccups?
If they last more than 48–72 hours, are extremely painful, or make it hard to stay hydrated, contact your bariatric care team.