Hiatal Hernia and Lap Band

Hi all - new to the board and soon to be new "bandster". My surgery is next week and in addition to the band they may have to repair a hiatal hernia. My problem is I have been unsuccessful in having laproscopic surgery (gall bladder, hernias, etc). I was wondering if anyone else has/had this issue. Also, anyone have Dr. Roye? People keep asking me about my pre surgery liquid diet and I'm not on one. Any thoughts? Thanks Cathi

Hi Cathi, I can't help you with the hernia info, but I have Dr Roye and also have the band. If you have a low BMI you don't need the liquid diet. i was a little concerned too and posted on the lap band board about it. But evidentally the higher the BMI the bigger your liver is and the more risk of nicking your liver during the surgery. I am fortunate and have never had problems with lap surgeries. I had no problems with my band surgery whatsoever. I really like Dr. Roye....good luck with everything! Kristen D

Kristen Thanks for the info. My BMI is actually borderline - so that makes sense and I feel much better now - Glad to hear all has gone well for you. Thanks for the best wishes. Be well. Cathi

hi there. personally, i see myself as the queen of hernia's. i've now had 3 repairs to incisional hernia's [i've had 7 major abdominal surgeries, so my stomach is a mess]. laproscopic surgery has never been option for any of my hernia repairs. i'm not sure if it's because of the size of the ones i've had [generally they've been about 6-10inch holes] - or if it's because doing laproscopic hernia repairs isn't possible. i don't think it would be, especially if they're placing mesh in? if you've already got a hernia - just get it done open. i know it sucks.. but believe me, you don't want another hernia! i had dr. roye, he fixed my hernia and out of all the repairs i've had - this one is the best. the last two repairs, my hernia came back within a few months. I don't know if he just did an amazing job, or the weight loss has truly helped to keep me from getting them. but so far, so good - no hernia in 7 months! about the liquid diet - this surgery is done in soo many ways. some doctors require a liquid diet, some require low-fat [to shrink the liver] some don't require anything. So, the best advice is to do exactly what your surgeon tells you. It's best to stick to Dr. Roye's program so that he knows exactly what you've been doing. You know? good luck to ya! Kristen*

Wow Kristen - it's like having deja vu reading your message. I've had 10 maj abd surgeries in as many years - 4 hernias - my belly looks like a road map. Well, the 11th time was the charm - this time is was laproscopic! A little bit of Dr. Roye magic and instead of one long incision I have five (rather nasty though & one goes right through my recent gall bladder incision). I just had the surgery and I was feeling pretty awesome and then.....I went through a few tough days but seem okay now. I've lost about 11 lbs in 5 days (who wouldn't on just liquids) but I am a little leary of the band. I know I have to be vigilant and change my lifestyle as this is just a tool to get me going. What has your jouney been like? Also, do you go to support groups - none were mentioned to me. Sorry for so many questions but theres a comfort in finding a "like" soul. So glad you are hernia free! Thanks again for all your help! Cathi