Hernia Repair

Hi...Hope this finds everyone doing well and losing or maintaining on their weight loss journey. I have not posted for some time.....it's been 19 mths. since my Gastric Bypass in Junction City. I have lost 140 pounds, and I feel WONDERFUL Stopped losing at one year....although been maintaining with exercise and watchin what I eat. I am very, very scared I will gain one of those hated pounds back....it's been a real journey thats all I can say. I just found out I have a hernia in the area where by surgery was preformed. I am going tomorrow to have it fixed in Junction City by the wonderful man that did my Bypass..anyhow has anyone experienced this and can anyone tell me what the recovery/pain/time is....appreciate any response Michelle Mejia -140 12/22/03

Hi, Michelle, by now I expect you have had that repair. I am just 3 weeks post-op from my hernia repair. Dr Stevens @ Junction City repaired mine, and also did my original surgery. I hate to see him leave. I have had considerable pain from my repair, but Dr Stevens keeps saying, that it is a huge hernia. So, depending on the size, may determine the amount of pain. I am a little disappointed that I am still experiencing some pain, espicially when I try to bend over, or raise my arms over my head. If this pain doesn't stop in a few more days, I think I will call in and be sure everything is ok. I know I tend to worry over silly things, and I am impatient to get back to doing stuff. You are doing great with your weight loss. Perhaps I will see you at support group. Oh, I was off work 2 weeks, and went back on the third. However after the first day, I realized I was still pushing it, so only worked half days that first week back. You will be on a 5 pound lifting restriction. I weighted my purse the other day and it is 5 pounds!!! Joan 403/290/?

Well my surgery went just like yours it sounds....nice to know I am not the only one around with the hernia problem....PAIN is the right words..I feel like its been a lot worse then the first surgery. Dr. Bollman opened me up in the same place..so my once healed incision is now stiched up again. I was so suprised that it would be that big...but just like you said...he told me the same thing that the hernia was very large. It has been about 4 days and I feel like I am dying most of the time. I hope this gets better soon cause I dont like being in pain. Thank you so much for letting me know about your experience with the operation. It makes me feel a little better. I will keep you posted as to my healing and you do the same on yours. I don't get to the support meetings much cause of the 4 hour drive but I sure would love to attend..we don't have any around here and I feel like I could learn alot from them. Michelle Mejia Hernia repair...7/20/05...I survived but in lots of PAIN!!!

Well, I have good news for you! It DOES get easier. But only recently. Only the past day or so have I been able to bend and pick something off the floor without pain. I was worried because there was one spot, right under my breast that I was experiencing a sharp stabbing pain often with twisting and definately when bending. That has finally subsided. I am still stiff, and he did say it would take several weeks for the mesh to become pliable. The incision is healing nicely again. but my abdominal area is kinda lumpy. I am not sure if that is swelling, or normal. It has looked that way since I left the hosp. My hairdresser just had hernia repair too after having a C-Section. She said she is lumpy too! I must admit, it isn't as bad as it was just post op. 4 hours is a long way to drive for a 90 min support meeting. But you are right they are very helpful. Hope you are feeling better soon.