Question:
Lap hernia repair after open RNY

I had an open RNY on 5-7-01, I now have a softball size buldge on the right side of my incison. I have had it confirmed that it is a hernia and now it is really bothering me. Has anyone had an open RNY and then had a lap repair of a hernia? Or one of the new methods that only use a "local" in the area ??? I am terrified of another surgery. Thanks!!    — Nicole R. (posted on April 11, 2002)

April 12, 2002
Nicole,
   — Deb H.

April 12, 2002
Nicole, Yes...I had a hernia repaired lap with mesh. Unfortunantly I'm not very happy with the results. My hernia was huge,from belly button to just below boobs. Looked like a cantaloupe buldging when sitting up after laying flat on my back. I had 19 holes to put in the mesh. Apparently I wasn't sewn first and they just put mesh over it all...about a square foot or so! Well, I don't even feel like I had it fixed as it still buldges and is sore. My RNY surgeon was not happy at all with the way it was fixed. He says it should be sewn first! He's so far away I just went with a local surgeon. Big mistake! Oh well, I can't change it now. I will tell you though, given the fact they made 19 holes,it was every bit as painfull as my open RNY. My advise is to have it fixed open and make darn sure they sew you first even if they want to use mesh. E-mail me if you have more questions. Deb Holder
   — Deb H.