Hello! I'm new, and was just banded Monday. I have been reading on the site and for about six months and have a quick question. Did anyone else have a hiatal hernia repair with their band surgery? I had and enormous tear in my diaphram (about the size of a fist) and that had to be repaired at the same time. The Dr also pulled my stomach down and stiched it in place. I was in massive pain and wasn't even able to get liquids down until today. :sick I ended up in the hospital for a few days this week on IV fluids. This surgery seemed to be about 10 times more painful than I thought it would be, plus the complications with the hosital stay and stuff. Anyone else has trouble getting liquids through at first? My stomach has been so swollen inside that nothing would go through. I feel like this has been going so bad, I hope everything works out! :nervous Thanks for being such a great support! I'll try to keep my chin up.

Hey Hamu, welcome!

I had a rough start, although NO hiatal hernia repair, so I'd imagine you have a bit longer recovery than most. Several here have had this, too, so I'm sure they will be posting soon.

You describe the swelling and having trouble drinking and I had a very similar rough start. The following two threads are what happened, so you may be able to get some good info from them...so I am posting links for you. It's lots of reading, but you can skim through and see if any of it helps. Feel free to PM me also if you want, but I'm happy to post it here if you have questions.

Sip slowly and be patient. You won't be yourself until you can get some calories in but don't push it. You can survive on Water only for a good while, but if you can get some Boost or other high calorie/high protien drink down, it will help. Just go slow and be patient. I'm sorry you are having a hard time, but you WILL get through, I promise. keep us posted!

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=6216

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=6339

Hi Hamu, and WELCOME to LBT!

My goodness, youve had a rough start! So glad you are healing though... slowly, but surely!

I *think* "New Hope" AKA Marie also had this surgery at the time she was banded. You may want to PM her to get details.

Good luck and keep us updated!

Hi Hamu,

I just found this board but was banded in Novenber 2004. I did have a hiatal hernia repair when they went in to do the band. I had no idea that I even had it. Now I do, because I haven't had one bout of indigestion yet.

I didn't have too much of a problem w/ liquids. It did take me 2 weeks to get myself together though. I feel I had a bit of a slower recovery. It definitely knocked me on my butt. I remember not even wanting to drink and only taking small sips out of a dixie cup. I can't remember it being a major problem though. I would mention it to your Dr.

Good luck to you and hope you feel well soon.

Kris

275(preg)/252(band)/235(now) /160

I had a hiatal hernia repair upon my second banding surgery. I really couldn't tell anything except it seemed to take my diaphragm a bit longer to heal than in the previous surgery without the repair.

Thanks for all the replies! I am feeling so much better today. I was actually able to drink milk. Yahoooo!! I will be on this board much more thanks to all the wonderful support. Thanks again!!