Has anyone had a Hiatal Hernia and been banded? How did it go?

I went for my pre-op appointment with my surgeon yesterday and he said that if my hiatal hernia was too big he wouldn't put the band in place. He could do one of two things: close me up after repairing the hernia or do a gastric bypass. He said that he wouldn't know until he got in there to see what the hernia looked like. He also said that lapband with hiatal hernias can cause more reflux and other difficulties. I would really like some advise so I know what to do and what to expect. My surgery is scheduled for December 15th.

Thank you!

Bah! Your surgery is 2 days before mine or I'd be able to tell you more. I have a small hiatal hernia that is being repaired during the lap banding.

How bad are your current symptoms and did you have a recent EGD?

Has anyone had a Hiatal Hernia and been banded? How did it go?

I went for my pre-op appointment with my surgeon yesterday and he said that if my hiatal hernia was too big he wouldn't put the band in place. He could do one of two things: close me up after repairing the hernia or do a gastric bypass. He said that he wouldn't know until he got in there to see what the hernia looked like. He also said that LAP-BAND® with hiatal hernias can cause more reflux and other difficulties. I would really like some advise so I know what to do and what to expect. My surgery is scheduled for December 15th.

Thank you!

My surgeon repaired my Hiatal Hernia at the same time as he installed my band. From what I have read here on LBT and other places, it is fairly common to do both procedures simultaneoulsy. Having the Hernia repaired was huge bonus for me -- no more GERD -- 1st time since I as a teenager that I have not had to deal with reflux!

I had a large hiatal hernia and my surgeon was able to repair it for me no problems. I wonder why he can't repair it at the same time you get banded. That is odd.

Now if your hernia is really large couldn't he repair it and then at a later date could you go back and get the band?

My surgeon had me do an upper GI to see if I did have a Hiatal hernia so that he would know when he went in if he had to fix it or not. He said the band won't work w/a Hiatal Hernia unless it is fixed. I had a very minor one, he wasn't able to get to it to fix it but he was able to place the band and I have done well so far. I would see about a second opinion if you ask me.. there is no reason why he shouldn't be able to place the band after fixing it... that doesn't make sense to me.. good luck!!

Has anyone had a Hiatal Hernia and been banded? How did it go?

I went for my pre-op appointment with my surgeon yesterday and he said that if my hiatal hernia was too big he wouldn't put the band in place. He could do one of two things: close me up after repairing the hernia or do a gastric bypass. He said that he wouldn't know until he got in there to see what the hernia looked like. He also said that LAP-BAND® with hiatal hernias can cause more reflux and other difficulties. I would really like some advise so I know what to do and what to expect. My surgery is scheduled for December 15th.

Thank you!

My doctor does a check for a hernia when he does the band. I didn't have one, but he would have fixed it and installed the band. I've heard that from both doctors I visited with and everyone else I've talked to.

I agree, get that second opinion.

Ditto on the second opinion. I, too, had a hiatal hernia repaired while the band was placed. And while I had no symptoms previously, my surgeon never said he wouldn't place the band if he found a hernia.

Amy

Thanks everyone.

I had an Upper GI and the Endoscope (sorry if I spelled this wrong) which showed the Hiatal Hernia. My doctor said it could be repaired if it isn't too large, and that he wouldn't know that for sure until he got in there. The nurse said it shouldn't be a problem. I just don't want to go into surgery and come out without the band, but I also don't want to have problems with the band if the hernia is too big and will impede the band from working or by giving me more reflux or heartburn (I've had enough of this to last a lifetime).

I will probably give him permission to do whatever is necessary to get me on the road to losing weight - band or bypass. I'll also be praying that God guides the doctor and the outcome.:w00t: