Went In For Band Removal - Came Out With Haitel Hernia Repair

[RavenClaw779 2]

Problems started about a year ago and my surgeon felt that he was 99% sure the band needed to come out. My fear of packing it back on pushed me to suggest that if he got in there and felt whatever could be fixed and the band left in, please do so. Still, I was a bit disappointed to come out of surgery still banded. Apparently, I had a haitel hernia, which he repaired - same as when I had my original surgery three years ago.

I'm three days out - the usual swelling and discomfort over the incision sites. Can hardly swallow the pain meds and even liquids are doing the old 'stop - then - drop' on the way down. Odd lump at base of throat - which I can literally feel with my hand. I'm supposed to be on my way to soft foods, but I had a tough time getting down a Protein shake this morning. Laughably, despite four days on nothing but Clear Liquids, I haven't lost a pound.

Anybody else had this type of fix? Success or did you end up having to have your band removed? My gut is telling(no pun intended) that this thing has got to go!

[marfar7 1,533]

Not sure I understand why your doc left the band if wanted it out? Did you ask him to save it and in the back of your mind secretly want it out?

Good luck!

Marci

[RavenClaw779 2]

An endoscopy several months ago revealed inflammation from my esphagus all the way to my duodenum and noted a potential band slip. There was no mention of a haitel hernia. An endoscopy is often used to diagnose or confirm a haitel hernia.

Even with no Fluid in my 11cc band I was unable to get anything down that wasn't the texture of yogurt or cottage cheese. In the planning for my surgery, my surgeon was of the opinion that the band itself was the problem and had likely created irritation and scar tissue and thus would have to go. He also felt that he'd likely need to repair the herniated area he repaired during my original surgery plus remove scar tissue. I was cleared for an overnight stay in prep for a series of post-surgical tests.

I was the one who pushed to save my band for fear of weight gain and it was my WLS who advised me that there was a less than 1% chance that that would happen and that given my reaction to the band, replacing it was not an option.

Thus, I was really surprised to be going home that same day with a haitel hernia repair. Nothing was done to the band or the port. There was no post-op testing. WebMD is saying full liquids for two weeks post haitel hernia repair; my discharge papers say nothing beyond, "progress to regular diet". My husband swears the WLS told him I could eat a regular diet two days after surgery!

Meanwhile, even coffee is doing the "stop & drop" on the way down. I've got reflux. Attempts to swallow a Protein Shake give me pain across my shoulder blades.

I don't want to believe that this is a money making effort, but let's just say that this practice is known for knowing which insurance carriers are likely to pay without question and tailor the treatment accordingly. I would not be at all surprised to be back in the OR several months down the road having it removed. Meanwhile, my follow up appointment is next week and I've already been told that it's time for me to get a fill(!?!) plus they've started laying the ground work for potential revision to gastric sleeve. Covering all the bases except the one that really matters - my health and well-being.