What is a hernia?

What exactly is a hernia? I'm pre-op but how would I know if I had a hernia? I did some reading in the website library and saw where people say it would protrude....but my stomach is so big nothing would protrude. However, the right side does hand more than the left. What kind of test are done for hernias? My surgeon did say that once he had me opened he would take a look around to make sure everything was o.k. and would take care of anything that wasn't. I have had dull pain on my right side near my waist and down. I do also have gallstones but that pain would be higher, right?

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