Huge Hernia

I had 3 operations, the first was for the RNY, the next day they found they had left a tube in me, the next day they found a leak and opened me up. In the 2nd or 3rd month I notice a buldge on the top of my stomach (it looks like I am half pregnant). As I lose weight and my lower stomach flattens,this buldge looks bigger. I have to wear a band to hold it in ( 0r I have to buy larger clothes to hide it). Has anyone else had this problem? When I first noticed it I ask my Doctor, and he blew it off and said "down the road you'll have to have surgery to repair it, but not for a year or so (after I lose all the weight and will need the apron removed) I have lost over 80 lbs in 5 months, I feel great and hate this set back after all the other problems. Is there anything else I can do to reduce this BIG HERNIA? Brenda

Wow Brenda, You've gone through so much in such a short time! I haven't experienced a hernia, but I do know they are really common, and I've seen some photos of post ops with hernias that sound just like you describe. I don't think there is much you can do till you have surgery for the hernia, but the good news is that the results are instant after the surgery, the bulge will be gone. It may even help get your apron removal covered by insurance more easily. Congrats on your excellent weight loss and on overcoming all those setbacks you had early on. ~Sue

Hello Brenda: Hernia is my middle name. I had a c-section in 1984 and then an open gallbladder (before they did it lap) in 1985, c-section in 1987, c-section 1989, kidney surgery 1991, 1992 and 1993. Then, to top it all off I had gastric bypass (which I might add was the easiest thing I have ever had!!! - out of the hosptial in 20 hours and back to work in 3 days!!!!). So, I noticed my hernia approximately 5 years ago. Needless to say I wanted it repaired when I had my gastric bypass. The doctor told my that he would not repair it because I would need a tummy tuck after my weight loss!!!! The only way insurance pays for a tummy tuck is if there is a hernia. He advised me to keep it. Well guess what, the hernia was hidden under all the fat. I am a size 12-14 now and literally could wear a size 10 if it were not for that big old hernia. So, I have to get closer to my goal weight and schedule my hernia repair and my tummy tuck. It is huge!!!! Now that I am thinner it is very noticeable. I hate it but I will hold onto it. I was a little concerned but a CT scan revealed that it was "plugged with omentum" which is fat. As long as it stays this way, it will not harm me!!! Sorry for writing a book, but I know where you are coming from. So, if you need a tummy tuck, check your insurance out in conjunction with the hernia repair!!!! Good luck with the hernia and the weight loss. You are doing awesome!!!! J.