Question:
Is this a hernia?

I think I am have a hernia. I have on and off pain on the left side right next to my incision towards the top. I don't see a bulge or anything when I am standing up, but when I lay down and go to a sitting position, a bulge appears right at that area. Also if I do have a hernia will it help my chances of having a Tummy Tuck? Does it ever stop growing or is this as big as it gets? It is about the size of a lemon as far as I can see. And finally, what complications occur with this? Thanks for any info.    — Dawn H. (posted on February 12, 2002)

February 12, 2002
Sounds like a small hernia to me. Unfortunately, as hernias go, bigger is better. If you have a small hernia, there is a chance that you can get a loop of intestine entrapped, which would lead to a bowel obstruction, a lot of pain and an emergency surgery. My personal opinion is that you should get it repaired as soon as possible after you have lost the majority of your weight.
   — Terissa R.

February 12, 2002
Sounds like a hernia to me. Mine got bigger from the time it happened in June to the time I had it repaired in December. I had a panniculectomy at the same time I had the hernia repair but I had to pay for it because the insurance company denied it.
   — Helen C.