Question:
I just found out I have a hernia 4 months out of surgery. What now?

I had the open RNY Jan 11. I'm now out about 4 months and just found out I have a hernia right by my belly button and next to my incision. How long do i have till I get it fixed and can it be done laproscopicaly? My Dr is about 8 hours from my home and I will be calling him. I would like to hear from people who may have gone through this and can offer some advice. Will it get worse? I only have ins. for 12 more months so will need to get it done before it runs out. I still have a lot to lose and don't think I can lose it all before the ins is up. Thanks    — Deb H. (posted on May 3, 2001)

May 3, 2001
I also developed a hernia about 4 months out. It is normal to develop them. I still have my hernia it will be repaired in another month my surgeon wanted me to lose as much weight as I could before he repaired it. Now if it hurts you should get it repair as soon as possible. If you can wait then do that. But the best advise is from your own surgeon.
   — Sharon T.

May 3, 2001
Relax.......... In one way you are lucky.... You are Garenteed a tummy tuck with a Hernia and Insurance will cover this........ Don't do the TT until about 10 months from now Baby your hernia... You want the TT to be at your lowest weight..
   — Kathleen M.

May 4, 2001
Insurance does NOT necessarily guarantee a panniculectomy or abdominoplasty with the hernia. I know first hand. My hernia bothers me from time to time, but I am trying to hold out while I fight with my insurer about the reconstructive plastic surgery.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 4, 2001
I agree with Denise. I'm at goal, loosing 100 pounds in 1 year. I weigh 129, wear a size 6. I have an incisional hernia. I have been denied coverage for a TT. I do admit I don't have much to tuck. I have a small roll above the belly button that looks yucky but not too bad. I wouldn't have looked into TT if I didn't have hernia to repair. I will pay about $3000.00 out of pocket to get TT done at the same time I get hernia repair(surgeons's fee + hospital cost). I don't have an apron below belly button either. I'm 41 and most things went back. Excepting the total loss of breast tissue. Well can't have everything. My butt's still loose because of skin and that's where I carried most of my weight. I'm getting hernia repair and TT in June hopefully. Open RNY 1/13/00, been at goal since December 00. Lou Ann
   — Lou Ann J.

May 4, 2001
Hi Deb, I too got a hernia in the same place you have yours. I waited as long as possible. I could feel it slipping and it bulged out too. I waited til 7 months post op. By then I had lost most ofmy weight. My surgeon got the hernia covered (of course) And since he had to open me up (the same fashion as for a tummy tuck), and he had to close me up the same way...he just removed that skin while he was there....the 4 lbs of skin equaled 25 worth of weight. I was fortunate in that respect. Your doctor will check the hernia to see if it is in danger of getting choked off (in that case you will have to have your surgery soon). If not..wait as long as you can, monitor the hernia often to make sure it isnt getting choked off...and try not to work your stomach muscles too much...it will agrivate the conditon and make it hurt. Good Luck to you!
   — Carla C.

May 4, 2001
For others you should be aware that having a Lap procedure nearly completely elminates the risk of post op hernias.
   — bob-haller

May 18, 2002
I too am 4 1/2 months out and have a hernia. I am going to have it repaired on June 14, 2002. Mine is extremely LARGE about the size of a cantalope. The doctor wants to do my TT at the same time, but I still have 64 more pounds to go before I am at goal. I have lost exactly 100 pounds. Because of the size and location of the hernia, my weightloss has almost stopped, because my food is not digesting well. My hernia is almost at emergency status. I have had to go to the ER with horrid pain. I can't wait for this to be done.
   — EatsLikeABunny7