Question:
Hiatal hernia repair......?????

Does anyone know how hard it will be to get surgery for a large hiatal hernia covered by ins. and how difficult it will be if they know I want to piggy back it with WLS? My hernia is large but causing no severe probs. yet (though the ones I do have are getting worse) They have an iron clad exclusion against WLS so I will self pay that portion. Thanks!    — Jenn J. (posted on November 7, 2002)

November 7, 2002
I also had a hiatal hernia. My doctor told me (and it's true) that having WLS will correct the problem. I have no more symptoms. GERD, etc. I stopped taking my medications just before surgery and have had no need for them since!!! (6 weeks out down 24 pounds). I had open RNY at BTC in Belvidere. If you have a surgeon, ask him about it.
   — wemax2

November 8, 2002
Large hiatal hernia? Are you sure it isn't a large ventral hernia? A hiatal hernia is inside just at the top of the stomach and usually causes heartburn and reflux. A ventral hernia is the kind that is between the breast bone and the bellybutton and may protrude. An umbilical hernia may or may not protrude and is around the belly button somewhere.
   — Lynette B.

November 8, 2002
I did double check and it is a hiatal hernia. I know WLS will solve the prob. w/o surgery but ins. won't pay for wls...they will for hernia repair...so if I get both done at once, my out of pocket will be less.
   — Jenn J.