Question:
I found out today I have a large incisional hernia. I had my open RNY last Dec.

I am perplexed and upset this has developed. My PCP, who made the diagnosis, recommends I see my surgeon, which I will do asap. Is this a common post surgery problem? What causes it? I have done absolutely no heavy lifting. If medically possible, is it better to try and wait until I am at or near my goal weight to have it repaired?    — Judith A. (posted on June 6, 2002)

June 5, 2002
Your weight and the weight of your abdomin puts a great strain on those muscles and the incision. You don't HAVE to have an actual incident of lifting something heavy or an injury, etc. I had four C-Sections, two further Abdominal surgeries through the C-Section scar and my OpenVBG. (Over a 16 year period) All of these were at over 300 lbs. I have had 5 Incisional hernias in that "site". The fourth was repaired last June when I had my VBG, and by Jan. of 2002, it had happened again. SO - three weeks ago, at 196lbs, rather than the 340 lbs I was on the day of my VBG, I had an extended Abdominoplasty, had the hernia repaired AGAIN, and hopefully, this time, since I am 145 lbs lighter, and have had my Panniculus removed, the hernia won't happen ever again!!
   — Cathy J.

June 6, 2002
I've heard that about 30% of people who have open RNY will develop an incisional hernia. It's not from the RNY part but the open part. Good Luck!
   — Christine L.