Dr. C, Question about Hiatal Hernias

LizinBoston · August 1, 2006

Hello there- I sent a post out to you a couple of weeks ago re: having left sided abdominal pain radiating to back & reflux noted after moving heavy furniture. I did have episodes of reflux prior to surgery 3/14/06- some pretty bad, but have been great since surgery. My pre-op upper GI just saw mild reflux- no mention of dysmotility. I am still experincing mild abdominal pain, no longer radiating to back, & having reflux (now sore throat/ sometimes hoarse- feel like my food goes down fine, but have constant burning in my throat all day). My surgeon has not been very supportive- has me on Priolosec am & afternoon and 20 mg famotidine at bedtime. She also completely unfilled me a week ago Monday (banded 3/14/06 & had total fill .7ml with good restriction). I think I'm noticing some relief, but not 100%, like I was prior to shoving that heavy eliptical trainer with all my might!! I asked her about a possible hiatal hernia, and she said I couldn't have given myself one & thinks maybe an ulcer, or band could have slipped a bit (I have been able to eat, drink normally- even before unfill). I asked about an upper GI as you suggested, she told me to let the meds work a bit longer (it has been 2 weeks/ max dose 1 week), then we would talk. In your experience, what is your opinion? Have any of your patients given themselves hernias after being banded? How long can it take for a PPI to work? Do you have any other suggestions? I would appreciate any words of wisdom. Thanks, Liz

LizinBoston · August 2, 2006

Does anyone have info on hiatal hernias after being banded?? Thanks, Liz

Trace Curry · August 2, 2006

Hiatal hernias can sometimes develop after banding, and sometimes are there at the time of banding but very small and not really noticed. It would take a tremendous force, like a serious car accident, to cause a hiatal hernia all at once, usually they happen gradually over a period of time. It can be very difficult to diagnose a hiatal hernia once a band has been placed, sometimes it can only be done by doing a laparoscopy and looking in there. Hope that helps!

Dr. C

Cincinnati, Ohio

www.TheBandDoctor.com 877.442.BAND

DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!