Question:
WLS & HH Repair / Can I have both done simultaneously?

My BMI is 44. I have an esophageal hiatal hernia (golf ball size) just above the stomach. Is there a surgery type preferred/Can both WLS and Hiatal repair be done bat the same time? Does that increase my insurance coverage probability (Alliance)?    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 21, 1999)

June 21, 1999
Hi: I'm having my VBG on 6/28; just finished my pre-op tests. I believe the surgeon checks this muscle during surgery, at least mine will. If it's a bit loose, they will tighten it. Good luck! [email protected]
   — Alyce K.

July 10, 1999
My wife just had the VBG done, and she had a small hiatial hernia and also had problems with GERD. She initially wanted to (or was recommended by the surgeon) the RNY surgery, but our PPO- insurance company reviewed her request to get the RNY paid for and came back in less than two weeks saying that the VBG would probably help her more. She had the surgery three weeks ago and it is definitely helping her with the previous stomach problems, and the insurance is picking up the whole surgery bill. Sure, she is experiencing some problems with gas and dirrahea (and vomitted a couple of times), but her intestinal problems are nothing like pre-op, where she was vomitting every day!
   — [Anonymous]

December 30, 2000
I had my hiatal hernia repaired at the same time that I had my Gastric Bypass surgery done. Not sure on the insurance part of the coverage because at the time I had my surgery done, my insurance covered most of it anyway.
   — Carleen G.