Question:
I have a hernia, and wonder should I get it fixed or the wls first?

I have a hernia about the size of a orange and it has been bothering me for some time. I mostly have pain from overeating or eating the wrongs things. I want to have it fixed but also want to get the wls surgery done as soon as possible. I have started the process and had asked my surgeon if he could do both and he is reluctant to do so. He suggested doing the hernia now because it could take a few weeks to get approval and doing it later, but I dont know if I want to have 2 surgerys close together. I do not want to have to wait for any length of time because I need to heal from hernia surgery. I was thinking that if I only have discomfort from overeating with my hernia, wouldnt it make sense to have the wls first and when I have lost weight get the hernia fixed. He didnt seemed concerned that the hernia needed to be fixed right away, but what was my choice. Any thoughts or has anyone had a hernia and had this sugery done and what were your experiance. Thanks    — cheryl B. (posted on February 3, 2001)

February 4, 2001
I agree with Barb - perhaps you should look for another surgeon. I had a hernia that was repaired at the same time as my open RNY and have done just fine.
   — georgiacarol

February 4, 2001
Hi there! I agree with the others. FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR. ((Hugs)) Sharon
   — Sharon M.

August 6, 2005
I have a VERY large ventral hernia because I had to be opened up twice after my inital WLS procedure. I have had this hernia for 2 years! When it first started out it was a very small lump that popped up and now people are asking me when I am due! My surgeon explained that I needed to get as much weight off first before we could repair the hernia. Otherwise the statistics of having the repair done again would be high because the excess weight would keeping pulling it back open again. Now finally I have a date for my hernia repair and one positive thing about the whole ordeal is that I get a free tummy tuck. Good luck.
   — Connie P.