Question on Honeymoon period and Hernia Repair

Hello, everyone! Hope all is going well with all of you. I have a couple of questions to ask and hope someone out there can answer me. I went to see Dr. Aranow yesterday for my 6 month follow up. He was running really late so I really didn't get a chance to ask him a few questions that I wanted to ask him. In checking my incision he mentioned that he felt a big hernia. I told him that I feel some pressure but it doesn't hurt or bother me. Is this something that gets repaired or taken out? If so, how long of a period of time does someone need to stay out of work if hospitalization is needed? Also, he handed me a sheet on "The Gastric Pouch as a "Tool" for Weight Loss". Even though he said I was on tract as far as weight loss (100 Lbs.) does this mean that the "honeymoon period" is over or am I still going to continue to lose like I've been? I'm a little confused. I'm not sure if he wants me to start using this method right now or continue to do what I've been doing. Can anybody help out there? I'd really appreciate any answers. Have a great day! Lucy

I hate it when Dr's are busy. I get so flustered. Anyway, I'd think it would be a good idea for you to make a follow up appt with the nutritionist at this point to discuss. I don't know what that sheet is he gave you, but it has nothing to do with your 'honeymoon period' being over, I'm sure. A little professional guidance may be in order at this time. How was your blood work? You're doing WONDERFUL at 100 lbs in 6 months!!! COngrats on your success.

Hi Lisa! Thanks for your reply. My blood work was all good. I did go see Amy, the nutritionist on 6/30/04 and she told me about "loading" with water before a meal and then eating my meal within 15 minutes which is what's on the sheet Dr. Aranow gave me for maintenance. I'm not sure if this what I need to follow now or just keep going with what I'm doing now (measuring and weight food). After eating slowly it's going to be difficult to eat that fast. I was never a fast eater before surgery. I do find that I can eat more now and I do feel hungry. I just hope this ins't it for weight lose since I need to lose another 40 lbs. to reach my goal he gave me. What do you think? Lucy Houle

You should go with the current info that they've given you, in my opinion. After 6 months, they do want you eating faster and practicing water loading to stay full longer. The thing is that they worry after 6 months about what you're doing to keep from getting hungry. That tends to be the mark when the average person feels hunger returns. So, what worked to keep you satisfied the first 6 months, may not work exactly the same for the next six, and so on. It's always a challenge to change the way you're doing something, but you'll be fine. It may be hard in the beginning to eat faster, but you'll get used to it. There is a reason for eating faster..which is to quickly obtain the feeling of fullness. As I said, you're doing great! There is no harm in calling Amy to speak with her for clarification, if you're unsure.

I would suggest emailing the Doc or talking to the Nutritionist. Congratulations on the weight loss. Keep us informed as to what happens and your sucess please. Thanks. Pattie

I am still a pre-oppie, so I can't help with your question, but CONGRATS on your six months out and -100lbs! Phyllis

Lucy -- It sounds like you're doing great! Congrats on 100 lbs. in 6 months -- that's fabulous!! I'm still at 90 and I'm 8 months out! I can only speak to the hernia issue. Many people who have the surgery open tend to get an incisional hernia. I had complications & had to have a 2nd surgery which was done open (lap RNY for nothing -- no bikini for me!!) and I've developed a hernia as well. It does need to come out eventually, but unless it's giving you trouble, it's not any kind of emergency. As my doctor said, the bad news is you have a hernia; the good news is you have a hernia. What he means by that is that when you have the hernia operation, you may be able to get a tummy tuck along with the hernia repair. At the very least, your hospitalization and anesthesia are paid for; whether the tt is paid for is up to the lovely insurance companies. So if you have concerns about the hernia, I'd call his office & get a clarification on that. So they want you to drink a lot of water 15 minutes before your meal so you'll get full sooner? I'm curious about this? Can you fill us in on the idea???? Thanks! Kathy F.