I've finally decided that Gastric Sleeve surgery is for me and I'm seeing the surgeon in a few weeks for a consult. However, I have a hiatal hernia right above my belly button. Can I get it repaired and have the VSG at the same time?? I'm hoping it's not going to get in the way of me having this. I'm 5'5" and weigh 300 pounds. Thank you in advance for your care and concern!

I had gastric sleeve and hiatal hernia repair at the same time. 2 weeks ago. [emoji4]

Hiatal hernias are typically repaired with the sleeve surgeries, but are you sure you have a hiatal hernia? These hernias slide up through the diaphragm. The location you describe sounds more like an umbilical hernia.

Absolutely, you can get it repaired at the same time. I came up with one during my upper GI so I asked the nurse and they said they could repair it at the same time. Hey, it is in the same area so why not. It's not like you are asking them to do an arthroscopy on your ankle.

I had my sliding hiatel hernia repaired & VSG surgery 3 wks ago, so the answer is yes to your question. What you need to know is that your stomach's actually made to beach the size of a hotdog, but shaped like a banana, another VSGer told me which helped me visually. My surgeon said he'd repair my umbilical hernia after I'd reached my goal weight, which is normal. I've not needed any Rx meds since surgery for diabetes, high blood pressure & high cholesterol, but do continue to take Achidphex for my stomach. This is normal. All acid reflux & GERD are gone, as are the Rx meds for them, except for the one I mentioned. I've lost almost 25 lbs. I' be just returned to teaching H20 aerobics M-F & was walking 15 min a day in 5 min increaments a day after surgery. At my 2 wk post-op I was ok'd to begin walking on the treadmill & riding a recumbant bike 15 min daily. Just know that getting up and walking after surgery's the best thing for you, which your surgeon & nurses will have you doing. I needed the antispasmodic & pain Rx's for 5 days post-op, if this helps you at all. Good luck with your journey.

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I had a hiatal hernia and it was repaired during my sleeve surgery. I didn't even know I had it until I woke up from surgery and one of the nurses told me my surgeon repaired one.

I think it's pretty common for severely overweight people to have a hiatal hernia. Don't know if it's common in the general population or weight related. People get it fixed during Surgery. I have an incisional hernia and can't get it repaired until my BMI is below 30. It just keeps growing and looks like an alien fetus

You're right, plus my surgeon told me that having an hiatal hernia and diabetes guarantees one will gain more and more weight until the hernia is repaired. Although I'm 5'4" and only weighed 217 lbs at the time of my surgery, I was still morbidly obese & my BMI was 35. It's been a blessing not to need any of my diabetes, high blood pressure & high cholesterol Rx's since surgery. I was told this would most likely occur, but I didn't believe it would happen immediately. My endocrinologist & internist are happy and incredibly supportive. My 4wks post-op appointment is Fri., and I can't wait to have them see my results: weightloss, inches lost, lower BMI & that I'm teaching H20 Aerobics 2x's M-F. I walk on the treadmill, ride the recumbent bike & walk my giant-sized dogs. I feel so well, although I'm just only able to tolerate an egg, as far as food is concerned. I know that will change & how important it is to follow protocols as set, and not eat big bites or quickly. Good luck everyone on your own journeys.