Relieve Chronic Heartburn & Reflux Hiatal Hernia Surgery in NJ

Whether newly diagnosed or tired of medication — our board-certified hernia surgeons offer lasting surgical relief with minimally invasive repair, right here in New Jersey.

20+

Years Treating Hernias

<1%

Complication Rate

1-2 Wks

Back To Work

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A patient care coordinator will follow up within one business day.

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. James Buwen | Board Certified Surgeon, New Jersey Bariatric Center | Last Reviewed: March 2026

The Hiatal Hernia and GERD Connection

A hiatal hernia can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscular valve that normally prevents stomach acid from flowing backward into the esophagus.

When part of the stomach is displaced into the chest, it can interfere with the LES's ability to close properly, making acid reflux more likely.

However, it's important to know that not everyone with a hiatal hernia develops GERD, and not everyone with GERD has a hiatal hernia. Many people have small hiatal hernias without any symptoms at all. But when the two conditions do occur together, the hiatal hernia can make GERD symptoms worse and harder to manage.

For more information, visit our Acid Reflux and GERD page.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Many people in New Jersey live with these symptoms for years — attributing them to stress, diet, or "just the way I am." If any of these sound familiar, speak with a doctor. A medical evaluation can identify whether a hiatal hernia is the underlying cause

Chronic Heartburn

Burning in the chest or throat, especially after eating or lying down

Acid Regurgitation

Stomach acid or food backing up into the esophagus or mouth

Chest Pain or Pressure

Discomfort that can mimic cardiac symptoms, especially when bending over

Difficulty Swallowing

Food feeling stuck, or a sensation of something lodged in the throat

Medication Dependence

Relying on antacids or PPIs daily just to manage symptoms

Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
Severe sudden chest or stomach pain · Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement · Persistent vomiting · Dark or black stools. These may indicate a strangulated hernia — a surgical emergency requiring immediate attention.

What Makes Our Approach Different

Our hernia surgeons combine surgical precision with individualized care because your hernia, history, and goals are unique to you.

Minimally Invasive, Maximum Results

Our laparoscopic and robotic-assisted repairs use 3–5 small incisions — meaning significantly less pain, minimal scarring, and a recovery measured in weeks rather than months. Most patients go home the same day or within 23 hours.

Board-Certified Surgeons in Hernia Repair

Our surgeons are fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery with over two decades of combined experience in hiatal hernia repair — including complex, recurrent, and large hernias requiring mesh reinforcement.

Eliminate Daily Reflux Medications

Surgery addresses the structural cause of your symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves. Many of our patients are able to significantly reduce or stop acid reflux medications entirely following a successful repair.

Comprehensive Pre- and Post-Op Support

From endoscopy review and nutritional planning to recovery and follow-up care, our team guides every step of your surgical journey so you're never navigating it alone.

Consultations Available — Schedule Today

Ready to Stop Managing and Start Healing?

Whether you've just been diagnosed or you've been living with these symptoms for years — the next step is the same: a consultation with a hiatal hernia surgeon who can tell you exactly where you stand and what your options are.

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Meet the Experts | Your Hernia Repair Team

Our team of specialists includes board certified surgeons and physician assistants that can offer
patients knowledge, expertise and compassion when it comes to treatment of their hiatal hernia.

Dr. Ajay Goyal, MD, FACS

Dr. Goyal is the founder and clinical director at New Jersey Bariatric Center® and also the Associate Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Atlantic Health System’s Overlook MedicalCenter.

Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery
Fellowship-trained in minimally invasive surgery
20+ years specializing in hiatal hernia and foregut procedures
Performs laparoscopic and robotic-assisted repairs

Dr. James Buwen, DO, FACOS

Dr. James Buwen is a board certified general surgeon with specialty training in bariatric surgery and advanced minimally invasive surgery.

Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery
Fellowship-trained in minimally invasive surgery
10+ years specializing in hiatal hernia and foregut procedures
Performs laparoscopic and robotic-assisted repairs

Our surgeons are members of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

What to Expect, Step by Step

Hiatal hernia repair at NJBC is a well-defined, outpatient process designed to be as transparent and stress-free as possible before, during, and after surgery.

Initial Consultation

We review your symptoms, medical history, and any prior imaging to understand your situation and discuss surgical and non-surgical options.

Endoscopy & Evaluation

If needed, we perform or review endoscopy results to confirm the diagnosis, assess the severity of your hernia, and plan the right surgical approach for you.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

A laparoscopic or robotic procedure (1–2 hours, under general anesthesia) repositions the stomach below the diaphragm and tightens the hiatal opening — often combined with a fundoplication to prevent reflux.

Recovery Period

Early mobility, pain management, and diet guidance begin on day one. You'll transition from liquids to soft foods over 2–4 weeks, with full nutritional support from our team throughout.

Long-Term Follow-Up

Ongoing monitoring ensures your repair holds and your symptoms resolve. We're here for you at every follow-up — 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and beyond as needed.

We never push surgery when it isn't needed. Our team always discusses conservative management options first, and surgery is only recommended when it will meaningfully improve your quality of life. Complex or recurrent hernias are our specialty — we routinely treat cases other centers turn away.

Hiatal Hernia Surgery Recovery Timeline

Day Of Procedure

Same day or overnight hospital stay

Week 1-2

Return to work in 1-2 weeks for office jobs

Week 1-2

Soft diet for two weeks after surgery

Week 2+

Gradual reintroduction of potential trigger foods (caffeine, spicy foods)

Hear From Our Patients

Real experiences from patients who came to us with chronic symptoms — and left with a different quality of life.

Carmine, Hernia Repair Patient

“I had what could of been a scary stressful procedure turn into a very positive worry free experience with New Jersey Bariatric Center. I chose them for my hernia surgery, and the entire team made what could have been a stressful process feel supportive and straightforward.

My surgical coordinator, was outstanding—she answered every question promptly, kept me on track with appointments and paperwork, and was always reassuring when I needed it most. She truly went above and beyond to make me feel confident and cared for every step of the way.

My surgeon, Dr. Buwen, is incredibly knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and compassionate. He explained everything clearly, took his time during consultations, and made me feel completely at ease about the procedure. Because of his experience and knowledge he not only repaired my hernia but when he was doing the procedure he was able to fix another issue I had with my intestines that were stuck to my stomach and I didn’t even know about it.

The whole staff is friendly, professional, and truly invested in patient success. They were all amazing in the hospital and gave me round the clock care. I highly recommend New Jersey Bariatric Center.”

Janet, Hernia Repair Patient

“I was well taken care of
from the moment I entered the first visit.”

Conveniently Located Throughout NJ

Springfield

Conveniently located just a few minutes from I-78, the Garden State Parkway and Route 22.

Bridgewater

Located near route 22, easily accessible from 78 and 287.

Hoboken

Accessible via PATH train from NYC. Validated public parking nearby.

East Brunswick

Easily accessible from Route 1, Route 18, the New Jersey Turnpike or the Parkway.

Totowa

Conveniently located near the intersection of Route 46, 23 and 80.

Sparta

Serving Sussex County and surrounding areas

Schedule Your Consultation Today

There’s a Clear Path Forward

Whether this is your first time hearing the word "hernia" or you've been pushing throughdiscomfort for years — you deserve a clear picture of what's happening and what comes next. One conversation with a specialist changes everything.

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