Hiatal Hernia & Vsg

[NisaletOAM 48]

Hello I'm new in the community I recently had my first consultation and I have to go through the 6 month process to get bariatric surgery I'm interested in this procedure and have many questions.

Has anyone here had a Hiatal Hernia repaired with the VSG and if so how was the process did the insurance also cover this along with the VSG and how was recovery.

Thank you very much for your responses looking forward to your answers :)

[gramaof4 58]

I have a hernia and I chose to leave it for a later date after my weight loss, as with many hernia surgeries if there is to much loose skin they must do a "tummy tuck" with it to ensure the hernia does not rip or tare after repair...the heavy skin is to much....So I am looking forward to our insurance paying for my hernia and Tummy Tuck in the process....Yahoo!!

[NisaletOAM 48]

Ok hope your insurance does cover it, do you have a Hiatal Hernia also? I would like for mine to be repaired during VSG surgery but I don't know if this is covered by my insurace.

[fitbottomedgirl 6]

Hi there! I had my hernia repaired when I had my surgery just because my surgeon suggested it and I went with it. His office put it through insurance and everything was covered. No problem. Except for the after effects of trapped air from the procedure, everything went smoothly. But gramaof4 has a great idea to get the insurance company to pay for it plus tummy tuck!! I'd go for that if it works! Best of luck!

[NisaletOAM 48]

Yes after reading her post again it does sound like a great idea but I'm not sure I'll be able to tolerate the hernia issues after the VSG I would like to get that solved at the same time if possible thanx so much for you responses!!!!

[gramaof4 58]

My Mexico Dr. asked if I wanted it fixed he would do it as a courtousy while he was in there...takes about 10 minutes he said...but we discussed the weight loss issues and the heavy skin after the loss of 150 - 200 lbs, he said it was better to let them Tummy Tuck at same time and lose even more because they cut all that loose skin off your size changes as does your weight due to the reconstruction and because of the skin removal... So I'm definately on board with that in a year or so...Also my hernia has been better after 50 lbs of weight loss...does not bother me quite as much now after WLS.

Good Luck!

[NisaletOAM 48]

Wow that's great to hear that your Hernia does not bother you so much as before I would love to not have or feel better with mine. I'm glad your desicion is working so nice for you. Cant wait to finish my 6th month process to get approved.

[PdxMan 4,292]

I had my hiatal hernia repaired during my surgery. I didn't even know I had one or that if I did, it was going to be repaired. I had issues with reflux prior to surgery and didn't really even know what a hiatal hernia was. The Dr repairs it by pulling the stomach down back and sewing the diaphragm back tighter. So, it really isn't a big deal.

I'm guessing that gramaof4 must be talking about an abdominal hernia as loose skin wouldn't really affect this type of surgery(hiatal hernia). At least, I don't think so. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

I was a self pay, so insurance wasn't brought into the fold, but, according to my surgeon, it is a 5 minute fix since he is already there and yanking on the stomach, anyway. He just had to close up the gap in the diaphragm.

I noticed some difficulty swallowing after for about a week or so, but it was so worth it. I now have no relux issues at all. I think doing it at VSG time is smart because you are already going to be on liquids and limited quantity at that, so what better time to heal from hiatal hernia surgery, too.

[gramaof4 58]

yes PDX mine is an abdominal hernia....but doc said same thing is it is just an extra few moments to fix things but USA doc's tend to want to charge for the entire surgery as if it were a totally separate surgery...craziness....

[NisaletOAM 48]

Thanx PDX I also think since the surgeon is already there it's a wise desiicon to get it fixed right away. and yes Gramof4 I've heard people that said it was charged as a seperate surgery and that's why I'm concern. when I see the surgeon on my second visit I will make sure to ask this question thanx guy

[patkaye 2]

I had my surgery a week ago and while he was in there my doctor said he repaired a massive hiatal hernia. I took Nexium for the last 10 years and If I missed a day I knew it. I had had a scope done prior to my WLS and it was not detected.

I really don't have any problems post op with that at all, I think all and all I am doing well. I am down 27 lbs since pre-op diet. Just having a hard time with energy level and drinking all that liquid. I am trying for 70 grams of Protein thats the best I can do right now - hoping that my hair doesn't fall out.