Hernia question

Well, I just realized I have a hernia near the top of my incision (I had open rny). When I cough, I feel a goose egg sticking out! It does not hurt, but I need to get it taken care of this year before I change insurance. I know several of you have been through this? What should I expect? How long in hospital? How long off work? Basically, what is the recovery expectation? Funny, but I'm not worried about it--just need to plan and take care of it... Joy

Hi Joy, sorry about your hernia. I had a large hernia repaired at the same time as my abdominoplasty so I don't know how to compare my experience with what you can expect -- unless, are you planning to have a TT at the same time? I can tell you that it was rough but again, I don't think it will be bad if it's just the hernia. Everyone is different, of course, but I was out of commission for about 2 weeks and still plenty sore when I went back to work. Let us know when you're going in, ok? Don't be a stronger, I miss you! Maureen

I probably will just do the hernia. I can't get into the dr until after Thanksgiving, and I just realized that we have our first post-op scuba diving trip planned Jan 11. The idea of cancelling it DOES upset me!!! (Not to mention the fact that I have non-refundable airline tickets.) I wonder how important it is to have your WLS surgeon do the hernia repair? I'm having to change insurance the first of the year and he is not on the new plan. If I feel secure having someone else do it, I might wait until after diving. Thanks for the sweet thoughts, Reenie. I didn't mean to be a stranger--I guess I have lurked without posting more than I meant to. 2005 has been a rough year for me (not WLS related), and I am just starting to feel like things are coming together for me. I did not need this setback, but in the overall scheme of things, it is not a big deal. Joy

Hi Joy, I have not had a hernia, but, have heard they are pretty easy to repair. Hope all goes well for you when you get it fixed. I don't think it has to be you WLS Doc, anyone can do it. Just make sure you are comfortable with that Doc. When are we going to see a picture of you on your Profile? Like to put a face with the name, ya know!! Marilyn, the Bearlady