Hernia Repair - ThinnerTimes

Kristen · 10-31-2005, 12:03 PM

Happy Halloween everyone,

I went to my doctor on Friday and it's confirmed I will need to undergo a surgery for hernia repair. I'm not scared or upset, I just want it done and over with. I sarcastically said to my general doc that I wish they could throw in a tummy tuck at the same time and he said to ask the surgeon. Obviously not my priority but wouldn't turn it down if they offered.

I guess my question would be to anyone who had the hernia repair is what kind of down time did you have and what about your hospital stay. I know my surgeon will answer more but would like to know how others here have faired with the surgery.

Thanks for any feedback,

Kristen

LizardQueen · 10-31-2005, 12:50 PM

That's a bummer! I have no clue on down time. Just wanted to let you know you'll be in my thoughts! I've missed you around here!!!!

Blueyz · 10-31-2005, 01:00 PM

Hernia repair...hmm? I believe I am an expert from experience...LOL If you have a large repair with mesh and a Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty), give yourself 4-6 weeks off. I just had a third repair Wednesday. I have to say that anytime you cut through the abdomen, you need time to repair and heal.

wlcasper · 10-31-2005, 02:53 PM

I developed a large ventral hernia in my incision about 5 months post op. It grew like an alien that wanted to come out, you know like the movie Alien. It grew to the size of a small grapefruit. I had it fixed in November of 2004. Big piece of mesh. The surgery was about 1 hour or so and I got to spend the night in the hospital...short stay. I had a TT after the hernia repair 5 months later and my PS tightened up the mesh when he did my abdominal muscle tightening. It's very tight now and I am very please with the results. As far as surgeries go it was the easiest to bounce back from, about two weeks. Of the surgeries I have had since WLS I would rank them as follows by difficulty or recovery:

1) Tummy Tuck, it was a tough one
2) WLS
3) Inigual Hernia Repair
4) Ventral Hernia Repair

I think those that have had the surgeries together ie: TT and Ventral Hernia repair have had greater recovery times and I know one friend has had to re-do the mesh twice now. If you can have the surgeries seprate, that is what I would do. JMO though.

HeatherT · 10-31-2005, 03:28 PM

does anyone know what causes hernias to be so common in WLS patients? did you all have lap or open wls? i am only a few weeks out but i really do not think i want a hernia so i was just wondering how to maybe prevent one...thanks

pambragg · 10-31-2005, 03:34 PM

I had a hernia repair done when I was almost 10 months out. It was as bad (if not worse) than my WLS. I was in the hospital for 3 days and off work for 2.5 weeks. It took a long time for my incision to heal. I had my WLS open and my hernia was the size of a small football. I was not lucky enough to have my TT done then. I am going to start that process soon I hope.

wlcasper · 10-31-2005, 06:12 PM

Pam I really think having a TT after the hernia is better...less going on at the same time plus you hernia repair is all healed before another surgery.

Kristen · 10-31-2005, 06:47 PM

Thanks for all of your input, my hernia is at my scar, and is only about the size of a golf ball. I am not in any pain at all and it mostly sticks our when I bend backwards. I was half joking when I mentioned to the doc about the tummy tuck and really don't want to take off more time than I need to since I am at a new job that I love and don't want to jeopardize. Thanks so much for the feedback.

Kristen

Blueyz · 10-31-2005, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlcasper

Pam I really think having a TT after the hernia is better...less going on at the same time plus you hernia repair is all healed before another surgery.

Agreed....from experience. It was very difficult to have both done at the same time. I made it through....BUT it was rough. Dr. C approved it for me only because I was at goal. I still place GBS first on my list of the worst surgery. I had severe back pain with that surgery.

Blueyz · 10-31-2005, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristen

Thanks for all of your input, my hernia is at my scar, and is only about the size of a golf ball. I am not in any pain at all and it mostly sticks our when I bend backwards. I was half joking when I mentioned to the doc about the tummy tuck and really don't want to take off more time than I need to since I am at a new job that I love and don't want to jeopardize. Thanks so much for the feedback.

Kristen

Kristen,

Please be careful and do not lift anything heavy because your golf ball will turn into a football. Hope everything turns out ok for you.