Question:
I have a hernia and my doctor

I am 15 and a half months out. I have lost 108 lbs. I have a smal hernia. I feel nausea when I eat sometimes and pressure. I called my surgeon and they wanted to see me right away. this week. the nursr said they dont like to wait when to see you when you have one. this may sound stupis but I have heard of people haing hernias for years and it seems to be ok. is there such a difference when we have had this type of surgery? I had open. I am kinda worried now, wondering what will happen next. can anyone tell me what they have experienced with this. I appreciate it a lot. thanks    — taterbug898 (posted on April 3, 2006)

April 3, 2006
About 1/3 of opens get incisional hernias. LAP the rate is near zero, so unfortunately your normal. The danger with hernias is strangulation, where the bowell gets obstructed or kinked. This can be life threatening and requires emergency surgery :( Emergency surgery is much riskier than planned in advance with good pre op testing. The nausea MAY be a sign that things are heading in a bad direction so its better to see you, and get it fixed. Look at this as a minor bump in the road. On a good note if you want plastics for hanging belly skin this is a excellent time to get it done. Hernia surgery is inconvenient but minor in comparison with WLS
   — bob-haller

April 3, 2006
Hello Melinda, I'm 13 mos. post op and I've had two hernias and when they went to fix the first one they found two and then about 6 mos later I had one that was 6x3. We are VERY suseptible to hernias, so I'm told and am finding out. Also if your wondering, I haven't done any thing strenous since my open bi-pass. I don't know what I'm going to have to do to keep from getting any more but maybe taking it easier than I already have been will help. I was told by someone that after this last hernia surgery (three weeks ago), after about 6 mos and if I don't get another hernia, I should work to stregthen my abdomial muscles as much as I can and it should help. Good luck with yours, I know how painful hernias are but remember to be real careful after your surgery and don't pick up anything heavier than a napkin. Karyn
   — Zimpo

April 3, 2006
I am 2 years and 3 mos out and I have a hernia - Just making arraingments now to get it taken care off along with some extra skin to be removed. The hernia does not bother me just the size of it and I do not want complications or Emergency Surgery. I am in the same boat as you because this is my 1st (any only) hernia so I can't let you know about recovery etc. I just know you should get it taken care of ASAP befor you have real problems. Wish you well with your surgery and will be looking for any info you have to share. Good luck and take care.
   — PEANUTBUTTER

April 3, 2006
Hi, when I was about a year out from open rny, I got some hernias, never had pain from them. I waited for about another year to have them repaired along with an abdominal plasty at the same time, I had 3 good size hernias... good luck to you....
   — Amy Hoffman

April 3, 2006
I've had one since last summer. It only protrudes when I do leg lifts from a lying down position. My doc said that it isn't threatening and I could wait to have it repaired. He also said that, unless it makes me uncomfortable, that I did not need to avoid abdominal exercises. I haven't and I am fine, I just don't do the leg lifts. I will eventually have it repaired when I do a tummy tuck. But as I've always said....I'd rather have a new kitchen, which is under construction right now. Weeee!
   — RebeccaP

April 5, 2006
I have 2 hernias ...only one is tender to the touch on the skin only.... Doc says if they arent hurting leave them alone ..No danger as he will keep check on them.. A hernia is just a tear ... it can get worst but it most likly will take time before it does...Some go Years before fixing them... Id say if it is not hurting leave it alone as you may develope more and they can do them all at once... Hopefuly you want get more... but thats what I would do... Everyone has different oppinions... do what makes you feel the comfortablest ... good luck
   — Flo

April 12, 2006
My question is, did they the primary care/surgeons check/test of hernias before the surgery?
   — the7thdean