Question:
How long did you wait to repair your hernia?

I've been experiencing some strange pain on my right side and I suspect a hernia (I have a doc appt Monday). I've read lots of posts on the board on hernias and it seems people tend to wait weeks and months to get them repaired. I can't imagine going back to work until I get something done about this pain (right side under ribs; my gallbladder was removed during WLS) It is especially painful after I've been walking or doing activity for an hour or so. When I lay back, the pain goes away. When I am walking etc I feel like my guts are going to fall out. I'm 5 months post op and don't have any noticable bulges or lumps. Any information on your hernia experience would be appreciated.    — Kay S. (posted on January 18, 2003)

January 18, 2003
While I'm in no way a Medical Professional, I would call your Doctor. I too have a hernia, which was discovered during my GB removal in November that has since doubled in size (approximately the size of a softball) and bulges when I cough and disappears when I lay down. I have talked to my Surgeon and he has assured me that unless it starts to cause me pain (which mine does not) he wants to wait another 6-12 months for surgery, as my weight will have stabalized. I would check with your Doctor, especially if it is causing pain. Good Luck!
   — Chloe S.

January 18, 2003
My incisional hernia started showing up around month 5, as a little bump above my belly button. Since then, it has grown to the size of about a baseball, but my surgeon wants to wait until my weight has stabilized somewhat before we do the surgery. I don't have much pain, but rather discomfort with my hernia, so it's really not a big deal to wait. If you are in that much pain, however, I would just hold out to hear what the doc has to say. To me, it doesn't really sound like the hernias I've heard about.. Like the poster before me, mine also protrudes more when I cough, and mostly disappears when I lay down. Good luck!
   — gina C.