Hernia? Now What? X Post

I am pretty sure I have a hernia.  I had my surgery open so I have a long incision.  I have a problem with constipation so I have been straining a lot, even though I try not to.  Last night I was in bed lying on my back and I had to pass gas (TMI) and I saw an egg shaped thing pop out to the left of my incision.  It was a little larger then an egg.  I am pretty sure that is a hernia?  There is no pain but it weirded me out.
So, I have a call into my surgeon but I am wondering if I will have to have surgery?  I have to admit it creeps me out and I want it gone but I really don't want any more surgery.  Is it a big surgery?  Is there a danger if I don't have surgery?  Can it be done lap?
Also, probaby a stupid question but I think I have seen other people ask it.  Can a hernia affect weight loss?  I have only lost about 3 lbs in the last 3 weeks.  Not terrible for being at the end of my weight loss but slower then it has been.  Could it be because of the hernia?

Liz,
My DH has had 2 hernia repairs, both laparascopically.
I think having an egg shaped thing pop out under my skin would weird ME out too.
Good luck. 
tracey

I had 2 large ones that were repaired when I had my RNY but I don't know anything about then othewise.  Just wanted to send you support.  I'd get it checked, just in case. 

I admit if I had seen mine I probably would have freaked.  According to my Dr's internal hernia's can be dangerous- especially because they cause bowel issues.  I would suggest if you have noticed a change in your bowel habits you repeat the series of calls to inquire about what you need to do.  My hernia ( left of my RNY sites) had my intestines reeled up like a garden hose, he said "no wonder you had pain and spasms"  My intestines were angry for a few months; they have a memory and try to spasms and turn where they were.  I guess after rapid weight loss it leaves what he described as pockets of space between where fat was your outside and inside- bowels like to slip into the spot.  I had very subtle changes in my bowel habits and I am so thankful it didn't strangulate (emergency) my intestines.  Now I have mesh to prevent the migration into that space.  My surgery was done with 3 or 4 ports, out patient, and I was a blah for about 1 - 2 days.  Felt pretty good within a week or so.  Had restrictions for about a month on lifting and activity.

Keep us posted.... you're creepin' us out.   LOL!!!   

By the way, you haven't been on any space missions lately?
ALIENS!!
We're gunna start calling you Lady "Sigurney" Tazz.

Lol Tracey !!! yep its a hernia ..I'd bet. My hubby has one too exactly the same spot along the incision line . Probably because the abdominal wall was cut there and its weaker ...

I have heard of people getting them repaired and then having a new one ( orseveral in succession ) pop out somewhere close by though so I'd try to find out what U can do to strengthen the abdominal wall pre surgery and post surgery with vitamins , gentle exercise/ toning etc. I think there IS a lot U CAN do .


pretty much everyone ive ever heard who gets them is pretty sedentary ( especially core -exercise wise ) ... or has super thin Northern skin genetically or both . From what Ive heard surgery alone is NOT unfortunately usually an effective final cure ... so do thorough research before U consult that surgeon and snip snip snip is my advice