Hello there- I sent a post out to you a couple of weeks ago re: having left sided abdominal pain radiating to back & reflux noted after moving heavy furniture. I did have episodes of reflux prior to surgery 3/14/06- some pretty bad, but have been great since surgery. My pre-op upper GI just saw mild reflux- no mention of dysmotility. I am still experincing mild abdominal pain, no longer radiating to back, & having reflux (now sore throat/ sometimes hoarse- feel like my food goes down fine, but have constant burning in my throat all day). My surgeon has not been very supportive- has me on Priolosec am & afternoon and 20 mg famotidine at bedtime. She also completely unfilled me a week ago Monday (banded 3/14/06 & had total fill .7ml with good restriction). I think I'm noticing some relief, but not 100%, like I was prior to shoving that heavy eliptical trainer with all my might!! I asked her about a possible hiatal hernia, and she said I couldn't have given myself one & thinks maybe an ulcer, or band could have slipped a bit (I have been able to eat, drink normally- even before unfill). I asked about an upper GI as you suggested, she told me to let the meds work a bit longer (it has been 2 weeks/ max dose 1 week), then we would talk. In your experience, what is your opinion? Have any of your patients given themselves hernias after being banded? How long can it take for a PPI to work? Do you have any other suggestions? I would appreciate any words of wisdom. Thanks, Liz

Does anyone have info on hiatal hernias after being banded?? Thanks, Liz

Hiatal hernias can sometimes develop after banding, and sometimes are there at the time of banding but very small and not really noticed. It would take a tremendous force, like a serious car accident, to cause a hiatal hernia all at once, usually they happen gradually over a period of time. It can be very difficult to diagnose a hiatal hernia once a band has been placed, sometimes it can only be done by doing a laparoscopy and looking in there. Hope that helps!

Dr. C

Cincinnati, Ohio

www.TheBandDoctor.com 877.442.BAND

DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!

Also PPI's do take a while to work sometimes, maybe a week or two.

C

Thank you