Question:
Possible hernia after WLS w/TT?

I am having a pain in my middle left abdominal area. It seems to be bothering me when my abdominal muscles expand, like to stand up or bending. I had a TT at the same time as my WLS. Could I have just pulled a muscle or would this be a hernia? My abdomen is not distended and there is no protrusion at the area where the pain is. I am going to get it checked on Wed. I hope it is not a hernia, I am pretty much all healed and dont really want to get surgery again. (8 weeks post op)    — Michell C. (posted on July 1, 2002)

July 1, 2002
You didn't mention if your WLS was open or laparoscopic. I spoke with the RN at my surgeon's office this evening. I've just recently been getting a sharp cramp about 2-3 inches to the left of my incision (open RNY), and about 6 inches from the top of my incision. It happens when I cough, laugh, breath deeply, or bend over to shave my legs. The RN asked me if I have a fever, which I don't. She asked if it felt firm, which it doesn't. She said not to worry, that it sounds like the muscles are healing, and there are nerves through there (thus, the quick stab-like jolts). She told me to use a heating pad on it several times tonight and advised me to take a 200 mg. Advil with my dinner, one again tomorrow with breakfast and a third one tomorrow evening with dinner and that should relieve the inflammation of the muscles. (Yes, Advil that we're not supposed to take after WLS.) Anyway, sorry to ramble on. Just hoping to help. By the way...I am also 8 weeks post-op.
   — Jennifer A.

July 1, 2002
I went through something similar after I had my TT, which I received a year after my bypass. I saw a small lump in the left upper abdomen which was about 3 months post-op. My surgeon seemed to think it was just swelling and we kept an eye on it. But about 6 months later it was causing me discomfort and I kept wearing my binder for extra support. As I was lying down in bed I felt a type of "hole" into which I could gently push the lump into. Being a nurse, I knew for sure it was a hernia. My plastic surgeon ordered a CT scan which revealed a hernia- and a fair sized one at that. So I went into surgery a month later and they found that a good part of my intestines had gotten through the opening. They closed it up and after a while I was feeling better. I probably contributed to causing the hernia by going back to work to soon after the previous surgery. I learned my lesson and was more careful. I also continue to wear a binder to work, just in case.
   — Barbara D.