Dr. Curry - does a hiatal hernia contraindicate LapBand?

Hi - hoping to have LapBand - had endoscopy in April and had a moderate sized hiatal hernia - had an endoscopy in July by different dr and no hiatal hernia was found. What am I to think - can a hiatal hernia go away ? If a hiatal hernia is found during surgery, can it be fixed or will the LapBand not be put on? Thanks for all your help. Paula L.

Hiatal hernias never go away, although they can vary in size. Not sure which doc was right, but it shouldn't interfere with your lap band. Good luck, Dr. C The Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 559-2545

Wow, Dr. C that is so great you answered me. I am a Cincinnati girl but have been transplanted 5 hrs away for the last 25 yrs. I see that you are starting to do the LapBand - when? I also see on the message boards that some people say that their drs repair their hiatal hernias when they do the bypass or LapBand. I thought Nissen Fundoplication was the only way to repair it. is that correct? I thought if I had a hiatal hernia that it could still slip through the Lapband - what are your thoughts on that? You have been so great - maybe I should move back to Cinti and attend your seminar. Thanks again - everyone says you are great - they're right!!!! Paula L.

Paula, I believe Dr. C is going to start doing lapbands in November. He is an awesome doctor. Perhaps you can stay where you live, but once having surgery here, after the few days in the hospital, you would stay in the hotel, which is on an upper floor of the hospital. Good luck, Sandy Pierce imnotfatanymore.com

Sandy, I go in for my second meeting with the Dr C & team on 9/22. The first meeting was mid July when I found out he was thinking about the LapBand so I decided to wait. Now I understand he is no longer thinking about it but actually getting his 'certification' in early October. When you say November, is that a sure thing? Or could it be earlier? I know this probably a question for Dr C but you seem to know alot about what his team is doing. I'm waiting patiently for my 9/22 visit with hopes of getting a surgery date at that meeting. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a mid to late October date. Each day I look in the mirror . . . . As always, thanks!!! -V