Incisional hernia?

I have an incisional hernia in the area of my belly-button. I assume it is due to the fact that one of my RNY incisions and plastic surgery incisions involved my belly-button. Right now it is small. My bariatric surgeon said it was not an immediate concern and to wait until it starts hurting and then she will fix it (I have no issues with it now- just a little bulge).

Thoughts? Is this something I should let my bariatric surgeon fix? Or a general surgeon? Or my plastic surgeon?

Thanks!!

I wouldn't go under anesthesia unless it was causing a problem.

Thanks. That is what I am thinking, too.

Agree with you on not going under unless absolutely necessary.

Having said that though - I had one back in 2015 and the surgeon who did my bowel resection the prior year fixed the hernia. But I've not had plastics so you may be looking at a whole different situation.

At least it sounds like you've got some time to research your eventual decision. Glad you're not hurting.

I had an umbilical hernia for over 15 years that developed after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. It looked gross but wasn't an issue aside from some occasional pain for years...until it was. My issue was it got big enough that my large intestine would push out, get strangled, and cause an impacted bowel. The second ER visit in 2 years for it, and I had emergency surgery to repair the hernia. I didn't know this was something that could happen, so my advice is feel it well, get to know it, and monitor for changes or new bulges or sudden stomach/colon issues.

Best of luck! (Mine was repaired by a general surgeon.)

ETA: I had this surgery 8 months prior to VSG.

No pain no surgery I would say.

I had an umbilical hernia fixed when I had RnY. I think it's a good "while your there..fix this" surgery.

I agree with not doing anything is it is small and not hurting. And if it does not bother you to look at it.

I had an umbilical hernia that developed when I slipped on a floor and fell. It started out tiny, but over time it got larger and larger. It was like a ball and became almost the size of a small plum.

It was ugly and sometimes it would make a bulge under my shirt. Like others said, there was no way I was going to have surgery just because it was ugly. Eventually, I started to get intermittent small bowel obstructions. When the pain from the obstruction came on, I would almost double over. Within 30 minutes, it would resolve.

Over time, the episodes became more frequebt and longer. That's when I saw a general surgeon *****paired it. It was a one-day surgical procedure.

I had the umbilical hernia repaired about 10 years ago. It required mesh for the repair. I thought it might be a problem when I had my RNY done laparoscopically, but my surgeon had no problems.

So, like others said, I would keep an eye on your incisional hernia for now. When it starts causing problems, then seek the help of a surgeon to repair it.

I would consult with your PS...just because...just as a consult, to put your mind at ease...and to put MY mind at ease :)

Can you possibly just send Dr L. a picture, of the area, if you don't want to have an actual appt?