Has anyone had surgery to repair hiatal hernia?

@maddie7007
My suggestion is to Google “thoracic surgeons” in your state. Be willing to drive to a large hospital. I drove 3 hrs to get to Duke.
Call their office. Ask if they repair hiatal hernias. Then ask if they are trained to do it robotically. If yes to both, book an appt. If not, try the next one.
Once they get everything put back where it belongs, your symptoms will go away.
I had at least 5 “general” surgeons in my city refuse to take my case. And, the only thoracic surgeon here told me “I never went back to learn robotics. I make enough money without it”. Don’t let incompetent doctors deter you, spend the day calling until you get what you want.
Getting it fixed is worth it. I used to spend 1/2 my day with stomach pain. I get it.
Don’t give up!!

Anyone contact one of the chiropractors who are supposed to be able to deal with a hiatal hernia?

Also IIRC the Nissen fundoplication can also fix a hiatal hernia. I expect that you would consult with a gastroenterologist about treatment.

Thanks my friend 😀

You are such encouragement to .me. I am thankful to God for sending you my way 🙏🏼

2 years ago I had repair of a giant hiatal hernia with fundiplication. My stomach had gone entirely into my chest. The head of Thoavic surgery at MUSC in Charleston did it robotically . Other than the dietary restrictions at first I had no problems, no more Gerd, very little heartburn but very gassy. Unable to really belch so most gas is passed thru farts. Bloating at times due to the gas, I restrict foods I know to cause excess gas. If you are dealing with this type of problem, seek a good Dr and get it done, if you become an emergency surgery, it can be lots worse.

@joanne1627

One of the pitfalls of the fundo; making it too tight to the point that it is difficult or impossible to belch or vomit. Also eat and drink SLOWLY else the food and liquid is trying to go down while displaced air is trying to go up and out.

I had hiatal hernia surgery on 9/9/26. I also have a bad case of ibsc. At over 7 weeks out I am still unable
To hardly eat anything without getting a lot of gas and cramping stomach pains. I also just had to do. MiraLAX purge from the stool backup but wondered if anyone else still felt like this at this stage?

Hi @shipteach. Welcome to Connect. I’m sorry you’re still having so much difficulty eating more than seven weeks after your hiatal hernia surgery, especially with the gas, cramping, and constipation.

I’m curious whether your irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) was something you were managing before surgery or whether those symptoms developed afterward.

From my own experience with digestive issues, I’ve learned that changes in one area can affect others. I’ve found it helpful when doctors who understand how the different issues may be connected help guide the next steps.

Have you discussed the ongoing difficulty eating and recent stool backup with your surgeon or gastroenterologist? What have they suggested so far?

I’m asking because I’d like to better understand your situation and help connect you with relevant discussions, resources, or members who may have experienced something similar.

@jlharsh I did have ibsc before. My surgeon says it’s not really his problem all that is healed. My gastroenterologist sent me for abdominal X-ray and blood work. X-ray showed a lot of stool in my abdomen. Had me do a 64 oz Gatorade with 8.5 ounce MiraLAX to clean me out which it did. They claim that’s what is causing the pain but I still have quite a bit especially when I try to eat something .

Hi @shipteach. Thank you for sharing more about what you’ve been experiencing. It helps to know that you were managing irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) before surgery and that your gastroenterologist found significant stool backup.

I’m sorry you’re still having so much pain when trying to eat, even after the MiraLAX cleanout. I understand they say this is what is causing your pain, and I want to confirm they have been made aware the pain is continuing? I’m curious what the next step might be if treating the constipation hasn’t resolved it.

Recovery after surgery can take time, and everyone’s experience is a little different. I found another Connect discussion where members share their experiences with eating difficulties after hiatal hernia surgery, including how long recovery took:

- Connect Discussion: Eating issues post-hiatal hernia, Nissen - when did you eat normally?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/eating-problems-after-hiatal-hernia-and-nissen-fundoplication-operatio/
While waiting for others to respond, you might find it helpful to explore the stories shared here and in the linked discussions. You may discover similarities with your own experience, along with questions or ideas worth discussing with your care team.

Have you noticed whether the pain happens with most foods and liquids or only certain things? I’m asking because understanding more about what’s happening may help others recognize similarities and share their experiences.

I’d be interested to hear how you’re doing as things progress. I hope you’ll continue sharing more, and updates or any new questions that arise. Your experiences may also help others navigating a similar recovery.