Hey guys, after a long 6 months my surgery is finally becoming a reality. I just got my surgery date and I'm set for July 16th 2015. The excitement is uncontrollable. My question to you guys is has anyone had the VSG with simultaneous hiatal repair? I've watched so many videos on the sleeve surgery that I'm comfortable with the procedure. but it's the hernia repair that gives me pause because I don't know much about this procedure. Has anyone had it done and can shed some light on this matter?

I had a hiatal hernia repair done at the same time. You have one more incision and no more gastric reflux. In very crude terms, they just pull the part of your esophagus that is not supposed to be above your diaphragm back down to where it belongs in your abdominal cavity. I only started having reflux about 2 months before surgery and I haven't had it since. I also didn't notice anything different than I feel like I would have noticed if I only had the sleeve surgery done. Fixing the hiatal hernia is often part of the process for sleeve surgery and very routine.

I had a hiatal hernia repair done at the same time. You have one more incision and no more gastric reflux. In very crude terms, they just pull the part of your esophagus that is not supposed to be above your diaphragm back down to where it belongs in your abdominal cavity. I only started having reflux about 2 months before surgery and I haven't had it since. I also didn't notice anything different than I feel like I would have noticed if I only had the sleeve surgery done. Fixing the hiatal hernia is often part of the process for sleeve surgery and very routine.

Thanks cause didn't know what to expect. How long was your recovery? like before you could return to work?

Do you know if the HH Repair adds to your inpatient hosp stay or post op recovery time, AvaFern? Thanks.

This is so, so common. They found mine on the EGD and fixed during the sleeve procedure. I don't know that there were any extra incisions for me. (I had 4 holes, 2 for instruments and 2 for cameras). No issues and I recovered easily and quickly from surgery. Never needed pain meds and was back at work the next week. May your recovery go as smooth!

I've had the hernia repaired twice. The first time when I had the band - reflux gone!! The second time with the sleeve. It's nothing to worry about but I do get heartburn at night. I take an over the counter pill and I'm fine

Thanks guys the feedback is helpful.

Good morning, I had my vsg and hernia repair May 15(2015). I had 4 incisions and a 5th for the drainage tube. My recovery is going well and the reflux that felt like a heart attack b4 surgery is gone. All the best.

I had hiatal hernia repair and as everyone mentioned it is very common. My surgeon also said if he saw anything else that needed fixing when he went in he would fix that, too. Sort of like getting your timing belt changed when you get your engine worked on: the biggest costs are just opening the hood and going into the engine!

Thankfully I haven't had to experience the reflux often associated with this hernia. One thing I miss most is being able to sing. I was an avid singer but due to the discomfort I felt during and after singing I had to stop. So when my surgeon said he can fix the hernia simultaneously I was ecstatic. I just needed to know what I was getting myself into. And whether 4 weeks off from work is enough time to recover.

Everyone's recovery is different but I took 3 weeks off and it's proven to be enough time. I'm going into my 3rd week off starting this Monday. I'm using this as a week to get more mentally ready for work than anything. 4wks off is going to be perfect for you. Try to get as much rest as possible as your journey continues

I had a hiatal hernia repair done at the same time. You have one more incision and no more gastric reflux. In very crude terms, they just pull the part of your esophagus that is not supposed to be above your diaphragm back down to where it belongs in your abdominal cavity. I only started having reflux about 2 months before surgery and I haven't had it since. I also didn't notice anything different than I feel like I would have noticed if I only had the sleeve surgery done. Fixing the hiatal hernia is often part of the process for sleeve surgery and very routine.

Thanks cause didn't know what to expect. How long was your recovery? like before you could return to work?

I also had both of mine done at the same time. Same recovery. And my hernia is how my insurance paid for my surgery. They coded it as a hernia repair and charged me $900 for the sleeve. Best part is no more of the terrible acid reflux I had been getting every night prior to the surgery. I love my sleeve and repair.

Will Cigna pay for my sleeve if I have a hernia?Just curious I'm having hard time trying to approved cause of bmi 34.8.I have hbp,diabetes, pcos,high cholesterol, depression and low thyroid. My weight is 184 one week 190 the next.Can't seem to stable it.Anyone's help appreciated.

Will Cigna pay for my sleeve if I have a hernia?Just curious I'm having hard time trying to approved cause of bmi 34.8.I have hbp,diabetes, pcos,high cholesterol, depression and low thyroid. My weight is 184 one week 190 the next.Can't seem to stable it.Anyone's help appreciated.

cigna paid for mine that way

Will Cigna pay for my sleeve if I have a hernia?Just curious I'm having hard time trying to approved cause of bmi 34.8.I have hbp,diabetes, pcos,high cholesterol, depression and low thyroid. My weight is 184 one week 190 the next.Can't seem to stable it.Anyone's help appreciated.

I have Cigna. Since I was approved for sleeve surgery my hernia repair was covered but I don't think they approve the opposite

Very common, most ins pays if they are paying for the WPS.

-RC-