Hiatal Hernias

Dasharoo · July 6, 2006

Hi, I'm back on-line after three week or so. Still have problems eating or swallowing. I was banded May 1 and the first month was fine, but these last five weeks has been hard. I was banded in MX and so there are no lap band doctors here in Boise to follow up with. I went to my GP today and he thinks I may have a hiatal hernia and set me up to see a gastro for an upper GI but of course not for three weeks. My stomach, port, etc all feel fine, but the instant I try to eat ANYTHING my throat tightens and I get pain in my sternum. My GP could hear alot of "gurguling." He has rewritten my daily meds (anti-depressants and acid reflux) for liquid and chewables because I've had a hard time getting them down too. I'm so hungry I could chew my own leg off, but I know it would only come up and that wouldn't be pretty.

I'm feeling pretty run down, tired and generally blah. If I'm careful and go slow I can manage to get down a soy based protien shake.

Are hiatal hernias a common side effect of this surgery? Are they genetic? My mother is obese (the best mother in the world however) and she has suffered with hiatal hernias for a long time.

God, I need a glass of wine, and a good green chili cheesburger, but alas, that is only a dream.

Dasharoo

MarcyD · July 6, 2006

Paula, I am sorry you are having so much difficulty. I don't believe Lapband surgery can cause a hiatal hernia, but if you have one it can be difficult to place the band correctly. This may be why you are having so much trouble. My surgeon had me evaluated for ulcers and hiatal hernia before he would do my band.

By the way,my mother (who is also wonderful and obese) has one, too. I think there is a slight genetic component.

Good luck to you!

DrHekier · July 7, 2006

Have you had a recent fill? To me it sounds as if some of your symptoms might be related to restriction from the band. If you had a recent fill, maybe you need a small amount of Fluid removed from the band.

Dasharoo · July 7, 2006

I have not had a fill yet. I haven't overeaten or any of the other things Jack mentioned. I'm not morbidly obese. In fact, I have lost 30 lbs since May 1. My current weight is 162, but I'm worried that by not eating all this time my metabolism is slowing down.