Question:
Has anyone here had a hiatal hernia of the ESOPHAGUS?

I just found out this morning that that's what I have, NOT a leak or staple line disruption. Apparently, the cure is to have another surgery... a Nissen Fundoplication. Has anyone had this done before or after WLS for severe GERD?    — Julia M. (posted on April 19, 2002)

April 19, 2002
When I had my upper g.i. test last week they found that I have a hiatal hernia. I'm wondering now if they will fix it with my wls or separately. I know that it can be very painful at times.
   — Wendy C.

April 19, 2002
I was never formally tested for hiatal hernia. BUT no matter what drug I took for GERD, I had no relief. Tagamet and Tums/Rolaids/Maalox then onto prescriptions Regulin, Prilosec, Nexium, Aciphex all of these each 3x a day. After surgery I have not had one drop of acid make its way up to my mouth when I lie down!!! The only pill I take now is Prevacid because this surgery, as my doctor said, until it is fully healed is like having a peptic ulcer. My cousin was in the same boat and is now "heartburn" free. So before you worry about ANOTHER surgery see what happens...I can drink Orange Juice now and i am 1 1/2 months post-op. Good-Luck!
   — Glenn M.

April 20, 2002
I had hiatal hernia as a PRE-op which was repaired as part of my RNY. But I never heard of having one as a post-op. This is very interesting. I hope you get some good answers!
   — Laura B.

April 20, 2002
In Aug. of 2001 I had a Nisson for Acid reflux. I also had a hiatal hernia but the Nisson isn't for the hernia-it's for the gerd. Were you diagnosed with Barretts esophagus? My concern is this-I couldn't have the RNY as it was potentially life threatening for me due to the Nisson. They would have had to undo the Nisson as part of that was for the RNY. There was concern of tearing,shredding and bleeding. I would find out extensively how the Nisson would be done as the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus. Sort of like a hot dog in a roll kind of this. This sort of creates a new muscle.However,I don't know how the Nisson would be done with a portion of your pouch? I would check into this. Due to the Nisson I CAN NOT physically vomit. If this is an issue for you than this is something you need to consider. I would definetly seek several opinions and find a surgeon who's familiar with both. Please contact me for any reason. Just make sure why they want to do the other surgery. Usually it's not for the hernia. THe hernia's repaired at the same time! Best of luck
   — Linda M.

April 24, 2002
So it sounds like nobody here has ever discovered that they have a hiatal hernia of the esophagus as a POST-OP... that's where I am. Thanks for the stories, everyone... I hope my surgeon has some good answers for me tomorrow... the GERD is about to kill me I have to say.
   — Julia M.