Question:
Hiatal Hernia Pre op? Anyone?

Hello Im due to have my surgery in the fall and was wondering how it works if you have a hiatal hernia pre op? Is the surgeon able to repair that at the same time or is that a seperate issue that has to be delt with? Anyone know? Im told hernias of this kind are common with overweight people but i just want to know how it all works come surgery time. --Pam    — Woz (posted on April 24, 2006)

April 24, 2006
Ye4s indeed, it is very common to have an hiatus hernia when one is overweight. There are 2 thoughts on this, first discuss this with your surgeon so he can decide what is best for you and the other is, when you lose weight, you will definitely get an improvement of your symptoms, if not a 100% reduction of them. Your surgeon may also elect to repair it at the same time as your wls. talk to him and see what he thinks. My best wishes for a speedy recovery and a great new you.
   — Lise K.

April 24, 2006
I had a hiatal hernia also. My surgeon told me that is small and that after the surgery as I lost weight it would probably take care of itself. I am 3 1/2 months post op and have no symptons at all.
   — may31267

April 24, 2006
Yes...very common...I had one also and when my surgeon was doing my surgery he took a small tuck to repair my hiatal hernia...all at once and I didn't feel a thing. Since surgery I have had NO reflux problems at all...it's great!! LAP RNY 12/25/05
   — mmcphee1

April 24, 2006
A large number of the general population have hiatal hernia's. I am a G.I. nurse and I can't begin to tell you how many people we scope have them. Not all of the people are overweight either. Unless you have really horrible reflux...I wouldn't worry about it. Your surgeon will know..mine was not even mentioned at all.
   — nurse442

April 25, 2006
I had a "moderate to large" hiatal hernia preop. Whether the doc fixed it as a separate problem or not...I don't know. He did tell me the surgery would fix it, and it did. I used to have GERD terribly before surgery, but 6 years later, I have had no problems with it, or any symptoms of the hernia. That is my personal experience. YMMV. Regards
   — Statuesque