I had my surgery on 8/19 and my surgeon found a hiatal hernia. He repaired it and successfully inserted the band.

I am not having very much pain in my abdominal area, however I am having tightness in my chest when i breath deep, laugh or cough. I am wondering if this is because my throat is still sensitive from the removal of the hernia. Anyone have the same experience?

I too had an hiatal hernia that was removed during the lapband process. I remember the tightness in my chest and wondered if it was because of the removal of the hernia or the surgery in particular. I don't remember what it was called, but I was required to breathe in a tube like device several times per day for several days.

I hope you feel better soon.

LT

I had my lap band on 8-17 and also had a hiatal hernia repair done, I never knew it was there but was told I may not need prilosec anymore. YAY I have had some discomfort in the epigasrtic area and bloat but not terrible. Afriend of mine who is a surgery nurse told me no lifting over 10 lbs or bending over any more than I must for about 4-6 wks.

A hiatal hernia is when the hole in the diaphram where the esophagus goes through is too wide and part of the stomach has come up through it. To fix it they need to bring the stomach back down into the abdominal cavity (plus they can't put the band on if they don't) and stitch up the hole in diaphram to shrink the opening. Due to working on the diaphram, you have those symptoms. Plus it can have referred pain to the back and shoulder. Hope that helps.

Thanks for that information very helpful on the anatomical understanding. I am so glad to have that done so I can take one less pill maybe.

jkangasrdh -- When I woke up from surgery my right shoulder was in horrible pain!! So thank you for explaining it. I have a spirometer that I am to use a couple times a day to help with lung expansion. That is def. helping, its just when I have to take a deep breath, it REALLY hurts.

I had horrible chest pressure & pain when breathing in deep. It took about 12 days for the pain to go away. Best of luck