HERNIA???

Good morning, friends. Haven't been on much lately, feeling way down about no weight loss in several weeks; on top of that, the dial scale I bought was off -- I actually weight 5 lbs. more than what that thing was telling me (see Connie, misery really does love company and I can't think of anyone I'd rather be miserable with!!!). Seems as if I'm done losing and I'm 30 lbs. away from goal. Anyway, I think I may have a hernia, can anyone help me out? Have been feeling some pain in the region between my naval and rib cage; woke up in the middle of the night and kind of felt around there with my palm and there seems to be a knot of some sort deep under the skin. My belly area seems to be swollen as well -- what do you think? Take care, marchers...all we can do is keep on marchin' on! Reenie

hmm... could be. Call that doc and let them know Hang in there Maureen, I understand how you feel about the stalled weight loss. I was hoping to drop this weekend. I actually planned on doing the liquid diet for 2 days but that just didnt happen! Ah well. Im taking it super easy today. I havent lost anything substantial in like 3 months. its very upsetting. Being that I still have like 80 pounds to go. I also have stopped loosing (from surgery) Its all up to me now. That tool is there to guide me but doesnt always work like I want it to. Some days it acts like its competely full from 2 bites the next day it feels like I have a big ol normal stomach. Go figure!!! I have been exercising every day like a crazy woman.. BUT not at night... so maybe not quite like a crazy woman. Thats my next goal... to exercise when I get home too! Hang in there we can do it! Elizabeth M

Hi Reenie, It sounds like it may be a hernia. I've been diagnosed with a hernia and it is pretty large. One way to test if it is a hernia, is to place your hand over where you are having symptoms and cough. If it protrudes when you do this, you most likely definately have a hernia. I would definately consult with your surgeon about this. They ended up leaving mine alone until I lost some more weight, however, my surgeon now wants to get this taken care of asap. He's worried that it will start causing me some problems. I'm hoping I'll be having it repaired sometime later this month or next month. One good thing, my surgeon is going to do a bit of nip and tuck while he's in there, so I can get rid of some of this excess skin. I would talk with your surgeon sooner than later, if you are experiencing pain, I would get that checked out soon. One thing that may help is if you wore an abdominal binder. You can purchase them at any medical supply company. I believe they are around $30.00. I would verify first with your doctor to make sure that is what you are dealing with. Best of luck to you, and I hope you start feeling better soon. Cheryl Bosley open RNY 03/10/04 316/183/160

Hi Cheryl, I hope this note finds you well and healthy. The March 2004 board needs your help! Please visit the board and click on the post, "AND THE SURVEY SAYS" - we will all benefit from your response. Thanks so much. Maureen

No one really wants a hernia, but if you do have one, that may be the ticket to getting plastic surgery covered by insurance. Let us know what the doc says! Joy