Q from a newbie: Do all lap-banders get reflux?

[SpideyMom 1]

Hi! I haven't gotten a surgery date yet, and I've just stumbled upon this very interesting section of LBT. I have suffered from GERD for 15 years and I have a small hiatal hernia. Will this get worse with LB surgery? From a lot of the posts I've read, one of the main problems with the LB is reflux. I'm very scared now and wondering why my surgeon would think this is a good idea for me.

Thanks in advance! :crying:

[Mimilou2004 13]

Isn't the surgeon going to repair the hiatal hernia during LB surgery? Many ppl become reflux free when they change their eating habits to accomodate the band life style.

Mimi

[Cleo's Mom 257]

Some people who have GERD before banding get relief afterward. Others develop reflux and heartburn from the band. That was me until I had a slight unfill. Disucss with your surgeon about repairing the hiatal hernia during surgery. If your reflux or heartburn gets worse after a fill, then you need to have some taken out. But about 80% of those banded develop reflux and heartburn after banding. So, you need to discuss all this with your doctor. Good luck.

[canadagirl33 0]

Most surgeons will repair hernias during the lap-band surgery, speak to your surgeon and ask. Having that repaired will probably help with your GERD right off the bat.

As for reflux, I'm a believer in keeping my band on the looser side rather than tight, and after being banded for almost 2.5 years I have never had reflux. I get heartburn now and then, but no more than before banding....and a couple of Tums settles it down pretty much right away.

Patricia

[SpideyMom 1]

Thanks, everyone! My surgeon said nothing about repairing the hernia during surgery. I think I need to have another talk with him. I am really hoping that the surgery will make my medical conditions better -- not worse! :tongue_smilie:

[gamyj 0]

i have just been banded on march 20th. i had reflux problems before surg and my gasroentoligist recommended that i get the band done. i take prilocet twice a day and its been fine since yesterday. I got a bad cold with lots of coughing, and i think that is making my reflux bad due to the fact that i am healing. from what i understand, as long as ur band isn't too tight u shouldn't have a problem. i just think im still swollen, and once that goes away so will the problem.

good luck,

amy

[SpideyMom 1]

Thanks, Amy! That gives me hope... and reminds me that I need to make an appointment with my gastroenterologist!

Congratulations on your banding!

[gamyj 0]

no problem i have felt ur pain!!!

[Jachut 487]

Personally I'd want the hernia repaired, you just read too many cases of people having horrid reflux with the band and there's so often a hernia involved.

I've never had reflux really apart from once when I got a bit too tight, I'd get slight discomfort after eating. A tiny unfill fixed that.

[SpideyMom 1]

Personally I'd want the hernia repaired, you just read too many cases of people having horrid reflux with the band and there's so often a hernia involved.

I've never had reflux really apart from once when I got a bit too tight, I'd get slight discomfort after eating. A tiny unfill fixed that.

Yes, I've been reading a lot of the complications, and it can get a bit overwhelming. Thanks for your insight. I will definitely talk to the surgeon about this at my next appointment!

:smile2:

[jillrenee15 0]

I had a teensy hiatal hernia that was found during my band procedure. I think it was repaired at that time, but I really don't know. I did have very frequent heartburn before banding. Things like cheese crackers and Tomato based things gave me horrible heartburn. I can honestly say I have not had one day of heartburn since banding!! It really is amazing. I think the band helps to keep the acid in the lower part of your stomach, that way it can't "splash" up into the esophagus and give you that burning feeling. :smile2: