Getting band with hiatal hernia

[genetic_gem 1]

I just had my upper GI for pre-op, and they found a small hiatal hernia. I called the doc's office to see if that was an issue and they said it wouldn't be if it was small, but they do not fix them with the surgery.

Anyone had the band without getting their HH fixed? Any problems? I was really hoping my heartburn would go away but now I'm worried it will get worse.

Thanks for any advice

[HeatherO 7]

I had one as well, as did so many other bandsters as you will read in the threads.

It seems to be a relatively common issue and not really a big deal during the banding surgery for small hernias. However, this is the first time that I have heard that they will not fix it while they are in there. Mine was corrected at surgery.

They typically fix it at the time with a couple of stitches since they are already working in the area. I don't understand why they wouldn't correct it. I would also be concerned if they would just let it go and do the banding anyways. It just doesnt make sense to me not to correct it.

Is your insurance covering the procedure or is it self pay? I would almost consider a different surgeon if they were going to ignore a problem like that which could give you problems later.

[Lady Lap Band 71]

A man in my presurgical classes had one and he said they were going to repair it at the same time they putted the band in.

[Nikkisix 0]

If you have one, get it fixed while having LB surgery. I had a small one repaired during my surgery. Not a problem.......

[genetic_gem 1]

Thank you for the replies. I actually spoke to a nurse at my surgeons office who told me that they don't fix them. After reading all the posts it seems like it would be a common thing that would be repaired, so I will ask the surgeon herself the next time I see her. I would be so happy to be getting rid of all my heartburn too!

[HeatherO 7]

Thank you for the replies. I actually spoke to a nurse at my surgeons office who told me that they don't fix them. After reading all the posts it seems like it would be a common thing that would be repaired, so I will ask the surgeon herself the next time I see her. I would be so happy to be getting rid of all my heartburn too!

Actually, now that you mention it wasn't the surgeon but someone else in the office, I think asking would be perfect. It just seems too unlikely that they wouldn't repair that as they go :0)

Some people have heartburn post banding. One common thing I read in posts is that the people who have heartburn post banding didn't have a problem before . . . the people who had a problem before are typically cured by banding. There are definitely a few good heartburn posts out there if you search for them.