Question:
Hernia repair with mesh

Five months after RNY, I had a very large incisional hernia repaired with mesh. The general surgeon went through my six-eight inch RNY scar and also revised the scar. I'm 15 or so pounds from goal and want to begin exploring plastic surgery but I'm wondering if I can have a tummy tuck if mesh is holding together my upper abs. Has anyone else had a hernia repair with mesh and then later a tummy tuck? Any info would be greatly appreciated.    — Tigs (posted on January 19, 2007)

January 19, 2007
I am one year out and I'm looking into the different PS procedures. I have had 13 hernia repaired and several with mess. My upper abd. looks like I'm pregnant. I consulted with my WLS surgeon and he is part of a surgical group and their PS surgeon will be able to do the surgery. Together they are going to repair and remove and replace whatever they need to do to make my stomach better. I have lots of adhesions that are painful and they are going to help with that also. The adhesions still has a chance of coming back but I'm willing to deal with that also. Hope this helps. God Bless, Cathy
   — cathyniehues

January 19, 2007
I did. I had a ventral umbilical hernia repair with mesh in February of 2004, then had my RNY in May of 2004. My gastric surgeon, Dr. Samer Mattar, was great and said that the hernia repair still looked good. Then in August of 2006 I had my tummy tuck with Dr. J. Peter Rubin, who is also fantastic. The hernia repair still looked good so he just worked around it and left the mesh alone. Everything feels great and I am looking forward to getting a job soon so I can save money for more surgery. I'd love to have Dr. Rubin fix my boobs now. But, the tummy tuck is possible after prior abdominal surgeries. I'd suggest that you find yourself a great surgeon, because I believe that is the most important factor in the equation. Best wishes for health and happiness.
   — djfoz

January 20, 2007
Yes, and the good news is that compared to hernia surgery the post op pain from the tummy tuck is a breeze!
   — catleth