Question:
Another Hernia!!!!!

I had a Hernia repair back in Oct 2004, well in Jan of 2005 I was told I have another which is on the other side now, and these's Hernia Operations are not FUN!!!!! Thought it was worse then the acuall By-Pass Surgery, anyways was wondering if anyone has has Lapascoptic Hernia repair?? And if so was was the recovery time, because I cannot afford to lose more time from work 4-6 weeks like the first one. All Answers would Grately be appreciated. Thanks Christine Clymire 151 Lbs on the losing side    — blainejrjeni (posted on April 25, 2005)

April 25, 2005
CHRISTINE- I HAD MY OPEN BY-PASS IN 7/04. IN MARCH 05 I HAD TERRIBLE PAIN AND WAS VOMITING. WHEN I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL THEY WERE NOT SURE WHAT WAS GOING ON INSIDE SINCE I COULD NOT KEEP THAT STUFF DOWN FOR THAT CAT SCAN. SO THEY HAD TO REOPEN ALMOST MY WHOLE ORIGINAL CUT TO REPAIR WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE 2 HERIAS, OBSTRUCTED BOWEL, AND INTESTINES FUSED TOGETHER BY SCAR TISSUE. IT WAS IN FACT PAINFUL, BUIT I RETURNED TO WORK IN 10 DAYS. GOOD LUCK TO YOU, FEEL WELL, AND KEEP MOVING....THAT IS THE WAY TO RECOVER THE QUICKEST
   — SUZANNE T.

April 25, 2005
I know how is feels to have a hernia. I have been in pain since December of "04". I had gastric performed in April of "04". I have so much medical concerns since the surgery. I am scared to death and dont want to have another surgery. I was told by the surgeon that he would go in through the mouth and it would a out patient operation. Recovery is short and will be back at full strength within days. Like I said that is what the surgeon said about me. The way he explained operation. It seems to easy. Good Luck !
   — lkirkland1

April 25, 2005
I had my umbilical hernia repair done laposcopicly at the same time as my lapband in aug 04. even though it was repaired with mesh, and soposse to be perment..it has come back.the lapband took 1 hour to do and the hernia 2 1/2.no heavy lifing for 6-8 weeks. no laundry, vaccuming, carrying small children or groceries.you have to be careful or it will come back.you should need jsut a few days off if you can adhere to those rules. all the best! Tracey
   — traceybubbles

April 25, 2005
I have actually had 7 hernia repairs. It started with an umbilical hernia which was repaired. Then it became an incisional hernia etc, etc etc. Each time they put in more mesh. The last time they put mesh in me from hipbone to hipbone and from bellybutton down. That was all BEFORE I had my WLS. All but one of the surgeries was done Laparascopically. The last one where they put in the extensive mesh was extremely painful. I was sore for a couple of weeks. My WLS was a breeze compared to it. But then some of my other hernia surgeries were too. I guess it all depends on how extensive the work is to repair your hernia and where it is. Several times I was able to go back to work in 1-2 weeks but with lifting restrictions for 6 weeks. Part of my recurring hernias though was due to the fact that I didn't listen to my doctor and continued to lift too soon after surgery. Congratulations on your weight loss! May God bless you. Jeanette (330/230/-100lbs goal of 170) (WLS 8/25/04)
   — jnetk

April 25, 2005
I just had hernia repair surgery done laproscopically(sp). My doctor told me I could go back to work at 2 weeks. When I went back for my recheck after surgery, he told me to wait another 2 weeks since my job requires heavy lifting. Unless you have heavy lifting, I think you could go back in 2 weeks.
   — Julie S.

April 25, 2005
I too had a hernia repair in March 2004. I agree that this was worse than the actual bypass. I was in the hospital for four days VS. the two I had when my bypass was done. Anyway, The recovery part was not so bad for me. After two weeks, I was well enough to return to work. The repair was done laporscopically, so this made a big difference.
   — C. Burns

April 26, 2005
Dear Christine, I feel your pain I lost 160pds went from sze 24 to a size 4 now weigh about 128...In November 2003 original bypass by November 2004 first hernia operation it was so painful I agree more so than bypass.Then in March 2005 had another removed laporascopically so much easier now i believe I have another one surgeons say it may be because of all the hanging skin they are trying to get my tummy tuck approved by insurance. Look into that might be the underlying problem right there....good luck lisa connors
   — Lisa C.