Question:
Can a hernia be deep?

I am 9.5 months post op from a lap RNY (1/2/02. I've gone from 280 to 157 and I've not had any post op complications. I did have a cyst pop up right under the skin at about 5 months post op and my PCP had a local surgeon remove it office under a local (my other surgeon is out of town). He said it was an odd thing to happen but not unheard of. It was about the size of a dime. He sewed me up nicely and you can't tell the incision was used a second time. It was almost perfectly round and hard like unpopped popcorn. However the other day I noticed that there is a "lump" under that incision. It is not round like the cyst. It is like a hardening of the tissue. It is much deeper than the cyst (which was right under the skin) and not perfectly round. I can move it around if I flatten my fingers against my stomach, but I have to push in to feel it. It seems that I don't have to push as far if I am lying down as when I am standing. I almost got excited. I am planning a lower body lift in March and will be paying out of pocket. I realized if I have a hernia that could help cover some of the expenses. However this is starting to pinch and twist. We don't have insurance until Jan 15 as my husband was laid off and just started a new job and we have a 90 day waiting period. There is no way I could afford to have a hernia removal. Does this sound like a hernia? If not, has anyone had anything like this? I know a hernia is unusual with lap surgery, but I've also had a lap gall bladder removal (a year before my RNY), 2 c-sections, an open hysterectomy, an open pelvic laparotomy and multiple GYN related lap surgeries. I also have pelvic adhesions which occured before any of my surgeries (they are referred to in my records as "congenital"). I am scared to death that this is something bad because it is so deep and is starting to hurt. Anyone have any clue?    — Tina P. (posted on October 16, 2002)

October 17, 2002
I have a hernia where my Lap Port is. It is the size of a orange now. The Dr says it is not dangerouus so we are waiting to fix it when I have a TT done. I am waiting for an appeal from the Ins company. If thats waht it is you should be fine but check with your Dr. It ma be able to wait till the insurance kiks in.
   — Theresa B.