hernia & excess skin removal questions...

I was just told I have a hernia and since I need to have it repaired at the same time they can remove all the excess skin on my belly and around my mid-section. Has anyone had this done? He said we could schedule it at my next appointment in November! Does that seem like a long time to have a hernia? And i wasn't told of any restrictions. I just don't know how serious it is. I started at 396 and am down 166 lbs. to 230 but I'm not near my goal weight. Should I be doing the tummy tuck or is it too soon? He said he could remove about 30-35 lbs. from me and i would be close to goal but I don't know. If anyone can tell me their experience with this surgery I'd appreciate it.

Kim, I have not had this done, but since your post has sat here for 3 days unanswered, thought I would post and let you know--it is very common to combine the two surgeries. Most surgeons do not recommend having it done until you have lost all the weight you are going to lose and have stabilized for a few months--the results for the tummy tuck are much better that way. It is usually fine to wait that long, there is a small possibility that the hernia could strangulate--if this happened they would have to do your surgery as an emergency--sudden excruitating abdominal pain should be checked out immediately.