6 Month followup (with hernia!)

Hi all, I just got home and am down 70.. the surprise was the hernia! I had no discomfort until my surgeon was pushing around my stomach and then oooh that didn't feel good. Anyway, he said he would do a TT and the hernia repair together. Unless my hernia gets bad we are not going to do anything for at least another 6 months. So, I really want to take advantage of the second half of my year... I would like to lose 60 pounds, but 45-50 would be great. Still, I am going to shoot for 60. Karen 273-203-140

Hi Karen, Congrats on your weight loss, you are doing great! I'm sorry to hear about your hernia, but I know they can often use that to get part of the tummy tuck surgery covered by insurance! I think my dr does that also Keep up the good work, don't strain yourself and I too am looking forward to making the most of the rest of this first year till tummy tuck time! Yippeee! Love, Sue

Thanks Sue, So I have a question for you.... If you had a hernia and your general surgeon said he could do the TT along with the repair and would stitch and not staple would you let him? I posted on the surgery board and someone there said that they would only go to a plastic surgeon.... I really like my surgeon and have every confidence in him... do you think this is a mistake?

I've been pondering this myself, even though it is a ways away... I don't know yet. Is there any way you can talk to some patients he's done tummy tucks on? I have spoken to one woman who works for my surgeon and he did her tummy tuck at the same time as hernia repair. I think she was happy but I haven't really grilled her on it and don't know if their is a conflict since she does work for him. I'd ask him how many tummy tucks he's done and if you could see some pictures or talk to some of his patients. Good luck and let me know what you do. ~Sue

Hi Karen - I'm catching up on posts since I was away last week. I have a terrible hernia, it's huge! My surgeon, whom I adore, advised me to wait til I reach my goal to repair it so I could combine it with a TT. But my surgeon doesn't do plastic surgery, he recommended another surgeon and they will be in the operating room together coordinating. My consultation with the PS is June 24 and I'm aiming for surgery in September, figuring I'll have reached goal by then and the kids will be in school. Why don't you go on your state message board of OH and ask around whether anyone has used your surgeon for PS and if so what their experiences have been. The bottom line is making sure you have total trust in your doctor. Don't ever feel like you are going to "hurt" his feelings by choosing a different PS. This is all about your health and your comfort level! My new mantra is: "me me me, it's all about me!" Congrats on your success and good luck with your decision. Let us know what you decide! Hugs, Sandy 268/171/136