Question:
I seem to hear a lot of questions regarding getting hernias after wls.

Does anyone know why a lot of post-op patients seem to get a hernia after surgery? I also would like to know exactally what a hernia is. I dont mean to sound stupid but does it have anything to do with the bellybutton? Once I am post-op is there anything I can do to avoid getting one? Any info would be appreciated.    — Tanya P. (posted on November 6, 2000)

November 6, 2000
A hernia happens when a hole develops in the abdominal wall and some of the interenal organs (like the intestines) are able to poke through the hole. A hernia can form anywhere that there is a weakness in the abdominal wall. An umbilical hernia is common, especially in infants, because there is a weak spot in the abdominal wall right behind the belly button. If it herniates, and some of the intestines protrude through the hole, then the belly-button becomes an "outie", although it should go back to an "in-ie" if the person lies down on their back. In post-op wls patients, or anyone else who has surgery, the weak spot in the abdominal wall is where the surgical incision didn't heal up as strong as it should. A hernia that develops here is called an "incisional hernia". You can try to avoid this problem by being very careful not to lift anything heavier than about 10 pounds until you are fully healed. But, being a very heavy person with lots of abdominal fat puts a lot of stress on the incision. Chronic vomiting can also put a lot of stress on the healing area. Plus, some people just don't heal very well. So, there are things you can do to try to prevent an incisional hernia, but none of them are guarantees. Good Luck!
   — Lynn K.

November 6, 2000
I totally agree with the first poster. I hear so many people bragging, almost, about how good they felt and how they just "had" to vacuum or pick up their children after surgery. They seem to not have a care in the world when they are warned about incisional hernias! I have been there, done that and had it repaired twice! (This came from a long ago gallbladder surgery). It is finally fixed correctly and I feel so much better. After open RNY surgery, I was so careful to follow those directions to the letter! I have no tenderness there anymore. I used to always have to place my hand on my stomach during sex to hold that area of my incisional hernia. You can imagine what a joy that was! So, no vacuuming, no straining, no picking up more than 10 pounds for about 2 months after surgery - and then slowly increase it from there. Best wishes.
   — Cindy H.

November 6, 2000
Another reason post op WLS patients will develop a hernia is that the excess skin on your lower abdomen pulls down and eventually can cause a defect in the abdominal wall. That can be a good thing since it can be repaired and fixed with a tummy tuck that is often deemed medically necessary instead of cosmetic and therefore paid for by insurance
   — Shari F.