Help... a few questions.

Hi lightweight friends,

My surgery just got bumped up to this Monday.  I am terrified and was curious about "small" hiatal hernias.  My doc stated that I had a small one and he would repair it during surgery.  I also heard this makes recovery so much more difficult.  True or false??? Also, do I have to have it repaired?  What happens if I don't.  I need to get my head in the right place.  Terrified of complications and pain.

Fondly,

karla

Hang tough, Karla. You will be glad you had the hiatal hernia fixed even if it means a little bit rougher recover time. The longer term with a hiatal hernia would be miserable with acid reflux. Just concentrate on staying hydrated when you first get home. If you find that you have trouble with straigh****er, a trick I learned here was to add a small squirt of fresh lime juice and sweeten with Splenda or Truvia if needed. As soon as you're able start taking some of your vitamins, chewables if that's what they tell you, start. It will be slow going at first because we can't gulp water to take a pill very easily. I used capsules rather chewables and did fine, but I guess that depends on the surgery. Protein and exercise are last of the worries at first. Just ease into everything and try not to worry. The surgeons give us guidelines but you only have to do your best. : )

--gina

I had 2 huge hernias that were repaired during surgery.  My time in the hospital was difficult because of fluid retention and O2 level but that didn't have anything to do with the hernias.  I recouped fine once home and didn't have to stay any longer than anyone else.  I was also 61 when I had RNY and it was my  5th abdominal surgery. You need to have them fixed because of reflux as Gina said, also, a hernia is a hole and you can get intestines caught in it.  You really don't want that.

Have a great weekend.  De carb and de caff, practice not drinking with meals and taking tiny bites the size of a pencil eraser.  You will be so ready for Monday.

False !  I had a hiatal hernia repaired during my RNY. I think they are common. Don't worry I recovered just fine and my reflux is gone!  Get it fixed!  Hiatal hernia is when the top  part of the stomach pushes up to where the esophagus is.  It is not an abdominal hernia in my understanding.  

Thank you everyone for calming my fears!  Giving it to God… and trying to stop worrying.  I always have my docs office and all of you to help me figure all of this out.

Fondly,

Karla

You will be glad you got it fixed instead of waiting and then later having to go in and get it repaired. 

I'm super excited for you!!!   I can't wait to join you in your journey and hear your WOWs!!!!

Thank you Roz, I have enjoyed reading your posts:)  I think I am mentally prepared, I realize it will be difficult at first then gets better. So i have heard...