I had to keep doing the heal drop so the diaphragm could slowly heal up. I avoided surgery. It also helps to make sure your bowel movements are not a struggle as pushing on the toilet causes or worsens hiatal hernias. Child birthing can also be a big culprit.

My mother had the laparoscopic surgery at 86 years old. Her hiatal hernia was causing pressure against her heart. Her entire stomach was above the diaphragm. It was all fixed through 5 small incisions.

If you are determined to avoid surgery, being disciplined with the heal drop procedure may be enough. It depends on how big the hole in your diaphragm has become.