HERNIA'S

As I am reading through profiles i read alot of people talking about hernias. Is this something that develops after surgery from the excess skin or is this a pre existing condition MAC

Mary, I had a pre-existing hernia (extremely large). Docs did a fix when I had my RNY, but they told me it may not hold since they could not put in the mesh during RNY (too much chance of infection with bowel surgery etc). Mine held for about 6 months, but then surfaced again. I need to get it taken care of, but have been dragging my feet a little! There is a possibility of incision line hernias for those who have open surgery. I forget the %, but I seem to recall something like 20% chance? My surgery was lap RNY, and while there is a chance with any abdominal surgery of hernia it is quite a bit less with lap than with open surgery. But the good news is, if there is any with a hernia, sometimes the insurance will allow a tummy tuck when the hernia is repaired. I know of a couple on this message board who have had internal "hernias" (twisted bowels) post op. This can be life threatening if you do not get to the hospital and get it taken care of. Sort of on the line of a busted appendix? At any rate, very important to get it taken care of. Those who I know who have had this say there is definite pain. And not to dismiss any adominal pain. I can't say for sure, since I have never had it but it is my understanding that anyone can have this at anytime, not just weight loss patients. But I think that perhaps with the rapid weight loss and the extra room in the abdominal cavity we may have a bit more propensity toward them??? Hopefully you can get a better answer from someone who has dealt with this problem? Hugs, Tammy