Question:
Why are a lot of people having surgery to repair hernias after weight loss?

I have been reading alot and notice that their are lot of hernias getting remove. why is this? I having my surgey on 4-24-01.    — Angela S. (posted on March 9, 2001)

March 9, 2001
I developed an incisional hernia about 6 months postop but it didn't give me any problems until about a month ago (I'm now almost a year postop). My surgeon explained it to me like this: the abdomen is lined with a thick layer of tissue that basically keeps the organs in. When surgery is performed and this tissue is cut it becomes weaker in the area of the incision. This weakness can cause it to open up and allow the intestines to protrude through the opening. This eventually has to be repaired because the intestines can become pinched off which is a serious condition. I'm not sure what percentage of WLS patients develop incisional hernias but of the dozen or so people I know who have had WLS I'm the only one that developed an incisional hernia. I think if hernias tend to run in your family you might be predisposed to them. I'm having mine repaired in a month.
   — Kellie L.

March 9, 2001
Hernias can form if we don't follow postop directions very carefully. This includes not lifting more than 10 pounds for about 2 months. It takes this long for the internal and external areas to heal enough to allow you to start lifting -- then you should gradually increase the amounts you pick up. So, weight lifting isn't good for a good bit, but walking is great exercise from day one. Remember too, don't vacuum or shovel or such either or strain really hard. I've had an incisional hernia repaired twice (from a gallbladder surgery years ago). Best wishes and just be really cautious.
   — Cindy H.

March 9, 2001
Hernias can form even if you do follow post-op instructions carefully. I found out yesterday I have a hernia. I have already gotten a second opinion, and both surgeons have concurred it's from the weight of the pannus on the weak abdominal wall. Hopefully you won't get one, but they do seem common.
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 9, 2001
The surgeon who diagnosed my hernia explained to me that anyone can develop a hernia at any time. Coughing, straining during a BM, even lifting something so small as a cat or other small pet. Those of us who've had abdominal surgery are at much greater risk because of the incisions into our abdominal wall. And yes, with a large pannus the risk increases again. That said, of the dozens of WLS patients I know, only a few have developed hernias.
   — Duffy H.