Suffering from overweight or obesity increases the risk of hiatal hernias. Hernia repair surgery with Dr. Joe Greene is minimally-invasive. If you’re considering gastric bypass surgery in Reston, VA, addressing a hiatal hernia at the same time might be an option.
What is a Hiatal Hernia?
Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen. This type of hernia can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Hiatal Hernias and GERD
Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This process irritates the lining of the esophagus, causing the uncomfortable symptoms commonly associated with heartburn. Other symptoms of GERD may also include a sour taste in your mouth, regurgitation of food, and a chronic cough. Hiatal hernias are often a cause of GERD. While GERD can exist without a hiatal hernia, the presence of a hiatal hernia significantly increases the risk of GERD.
Hiatal Hernias and Gastric Bypass Surgery
As an experienced bariatric surgeon, Dr. Greene can address the hiatal hernias alongside weight loss surgery. The procedure involves creating a smaller pouch in the stomach and rerouting the small intestine. While performing the bypass, Dr. Greene can reposition the misplaced stomach tissue and adjust the opening of the diaphragm to prevent future hernias. A surgical approach targeting hiatal hernias and gastric bypass strengthens the barrier between the stomach and esophagus. This procedure significantly reduces the risk of GERD in the future.
Do You Qualify for Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Are you ready to achieve your weight loss goals and eliminate the pain and discomfort of acid reflux? Gastric bypass surgery is minimally invasive and an option for many patients struggling with being overweight or obese. If you struggle with both weight concerns and hiatal hernia symptoms, contact Dr. Joe Greene to discuss addressing your hiatal hernia and gastric bypass surgery.