Question:
How long after surgery did you develop a hernia?

I'm 3 months post-op open RNY. For the past 2 weeks I've had a cold and have been coughing a lot. Everytime I cough my mid-section hurts and bulges out like there is an alien trying to escape. Sometimes when I stand that area is very hard. Is this just normal or am I developing a hernia where my incision is?    — Sarahlicious (posted on July 11, 2003)

July 10, 2003
I was about 4 months post-op when I first developed symptoms of what might be a hernia. My was different; burning and grabbing when I reached for something. I never had the classic "bulge" that appears when you lie flat. I ended up having hernia repair and a panniculectomy when I was 14 months post-op. By that time I had 9 hernias and 17 weak spots. Now my entire abdominal wall is reinforced with surgical mesh. Patty Butler Dallas, TX Open RNY 11/29/01 TT 2/4/03 -181 pounds Dr. Kenneth Warnock, Wichita Falls, TX
   — Patty_Butler

July 10, 2003
Can't remember exact month it appeared, but I noticed it before I went back for my 9 month check-up and he confirmed. Dr. says I probably have several. It definitely bulges out and it definitely has to be held if I cough hard. My husband pats it quite a bit and calls it our little baby because it definitely makes me look pregnant. I'll get it repaired sometime late Fall as long as no complications arise and am hoping to combine with a TT and brachioplasty for my arms.
   — Tparker

July 10, 2003
9 months- from straining with constipation- ....so be careful!
   — ~~Stacie~~