Question:
Pain from hiatal hernia repair

My doctor repaired a hiatal hernia as well as WLS - RNY. I tried to eat some string cheese. I chewed a little piece until it was soft and mushy, then swallowed. I had chest pain similiar to the pain I had from the hiatal hernia prior to surgery. My question is - have others who had both surgeries experienced pain from the site where the hernia was repaired? I think it is the hernia repair because it is higher in my chest than where I think my stomach is. Thank you so much for any clarity I can gain.    — cyntracer (posted on July 19, 2008)

July 19, 2008
You don't say when your surgery was or what type. Depending on where you are post-op it could be something other then hernia pain. Could be acid reflux, or could be you're not ready for cheese. If you eat or drink too fast (doesn't sound like you did) you can get pain in your chest under the breast bone. Keep track of what causes it, and call your surgeon if you are still concerned. Good luck, laura
   — waterlover

July 19, 2008
I think I know the feeling you're talking about...feels like you swallowed a rock or something? I am two years post op, and sometimes I get that feeling if I swallow air w/my food. If this is the only time it happened, don't worry about it. Just be careful when you swallow...try not to drink too much with your food. If it happens more frequently, talk to your dr about it.
   — Hollywog

July 19, 2008
I had hiatal hernia repair and lapband placed on 6/17/08 and still have pain in my large incision. My surgeon that my hernia was the largest he has ever had to repair. It was 5 cm into my chest. I thought the pain I am still feeling was the port healing internally but maybe you are right and it is the hernia repair. I believe the surgeon put in some sutures to hold my stomach in place and may be they are healing also. I also think temperature and humidity are a factor. I still take nexium and reglan to control acid and ulcers which the hernia caused maybe they also have some effect.
   — pamela P.

July 19, 2008
Thank you all for your answers. I think I will call my surgeon's office next week just to make sure. Thanks again.
   — cyntracer

July 19, 2008
I get the pain you desribe when I swallow too big of a bite (even tho it is well chewed) or if I drink while eating. With me, I know it is the pouch doing what it is suppose to do. Bites should be the size of a pinky fingernail. Anything more can be just a little too much and the pouch will signal pain when overfilled. I am not saying this is what you are experiencing, you should always check with your doctor when in doubt. I have learned this is what pouch pain is like.
   — Cath