Question:
achalashia, Hyatial hernia, positive for factor 5, one strand.

I am 57 yrs old, 247lbs, 5'3/4' been diagnosed with Factor iv Lideon-one strand, achalasia ( failure to relax muscle that allows food to enter the stomach)Hiatal hernia, and also bad knees (Dr says knee replacement),high BP(since 17yrs old) but other than that good health. Thinking of doing this WLS but have concerns with what illnesses I do have. Has anyone else had these simular problems and went thru with the WLS. I have a 16yrs old daughter at home still and I miss doing alot of things with her that because of my weight I can't and my Orthopedic says the weight has to come off or even the knee replacements may not work. Have dieted but always gain it back. I am tired to being a Yo-Yo! BlueRay    — BLUERAY (posted on August 21, 2009)

August 21, 2009
There is a possibility that you may not be able to get WLS. Pacific Bariatric in Southern CA will not do WLS on people who have had hiatal hernias. On the other hand, it seems I've read on Obesity Help that some people have had the hiatal hernia repair while having WLS done. Just be sure you know up front, so you're not bitterly disappointed after you've jumped through hoops. Best.
   — Janell C.

August 21, 2009
That is something you will have to talk with your doctor about. It also a personal choice and I recommend you do as much research as you can on all types of WLS to see which one will best fit you & your lifestyle. I wish you luck! Each surgeon is different. I would consult with a WLS surgeon and see what they say. I know my doctor has performed the Lap Band surgery on people with Hiatal Hernias and repaired them while doing the WLS.
   — Krisican2

August 22, 2009
You know, this is an interesting question. I had an EGD before my RNY surgery, and the Gastroenterologist said that I had a moderate hiatal hernia in addition to H-Pylori (a stomach bacteria that can cause stomach cancer later on in life). However, nothing else was ever said, and I had my surgery (RNY) a couple of months later. I'll have to check with my surgeon at my 6 month appointment to see if it was repaired or what.... (I'm 5 1/2 months out, now). At any rate, I'm doing well, having just passed my hundred pound mark!! I will say that I have the knee problems, and have severe lower back problems, in addition to the high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia, so getting approval was not a problem for me.
   — Erica Alikchihoo