Hernia Repair - ThinnerTimes

Kristen · 08-08-2005, 02:21 PM

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if any of you could tell me a little about hernia repair? I had the R & Y in 2001 a few months later while picking up something too heavy I developed a hernia. I never had any real pain with it, just sometimes a pulling or a tug that felt strange. When I went to see my new doctor and he questions about my surgery I mentioned the hernia. Right away he let me know that we need to get it repaired. When my other doc had seen it (I lost my insurance like the next day) he'd said that it was a tear in the membrane (?) or cartlidge that sits over the stomach muscles and that could be repaired but no rush.

The hernia itself when stretched sticks out about the size of a golfball. When not stressed or stretched it's just barely visible.

Sorry I'm not asking anyone to play doctor I just wondered if anyone had a similar experience and what they could tell me about their recovery time.

Sorry for the long post,

Kristen

lealphachienne · 08-08-2005, 06:48 PM

My cat has a hernia and it never got repaired.....

A hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine pokes through the muscle. A hernia can get cut off and cause problems. It can also get bigger over time. Many times, a tummy tuck is done at the same time as the repair. Depends on insurance will cover.

Blueyz · 08-08-2005, 09:52 PM

I had 2 hernia repairs and one more scheduled in 6 months. It feels a lot better not to have my intestines hanging out. My abdominal muscle was weak and torn up, so I was required to have mesh put in...and have nothing but trouble with the mesh poking up into my ribs. Most people do not have a problem after a repair. I am just unlucky at this point.

lealphachienne · 08-09-2005, 06:50 AM

You and me both Dale.

pambragg · 08-09-2005, 08:01 AM

I had a hernia repair done the end of April. The recovery time wasn't too bad but I developed an infection and my incision was open for quite a while.

wlcasper · 08-09-2005, 08:22 AM

I developed a hernia in my open incision about 5 months post RNY surgery. It grew to the size of a grapefruit, looked weird.

I was told by my PCP that bigger is better as far as ventral hernias go. The reason is the smaller the hernia the larger chance it can become strangulated. So if it is bigger it's better.

I had it repaired last November by Dr. Potts. He did the repair lap and put mesh in. He fixed it but a few months after the mesh came lose just a bit. When I had my TT in March the surgeon when he tightened my abdominal muscles cleaned up the mesh as well.

I am fine right now and my stomach is tight and looks great!

Kristen · 08-09-2005, 09:20 AM

Thank you everyone for explaining the process for me. I truly appreciate it. I'm just a little nervous and worried I guess. Maybe I can convince my doc that a tummy tuck would be a good thing at the same time! Kristen

cedesigns · 08-12-2005, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaleM

I had 2 hernia repairs and one more scheduled in 6 months. It feels a lot better not to have my intestines hanging out. My abdominal muscle was weak and torn up, so I was required to have mesh put in...and have nothing but trouble with the mesh poking up into my ribs. Most people do not have a problem after a repair. I am just unlucky at this point.

Dale,

I was just reading you had the hernia repair. My doctor has mentioned using the mesh. So I suppose that is what they will be doing. How was your recovery from this? I am so concerned about being all down and out again. Surgeries take so much energy out of me~

Pokey757 · 08-12-2005, 01:33 PM

Just how do you get these hernia's? What is the major cause?

cedesigns · 08-12-2005, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pokey757

Just how do you get these hernia's? What is the major cause?

From what my dr has said it is a weakness in the facia of your abdominal wall. I think it is different from person to person as to how it happens. Until they look at mine, they are not sure how mine happened.

As a general rule anyone can get a hernia by over exertion that just pushes the stomache, bladder, other abdominal organs, through the facia and up under the skin.

I know guys can get hernias from lifting, and doing improper weight lifts at the gym.

They seem to be sort of a possible side affect, with obesity, since most of us do not start of with strong abs, plus our stomach is so heavy and our abdominals are weak.

I have been working out lately, but I don't think that is what caused mine.
We shall see~

Anyone else know anything about these things?? I know many of you are way more informed and knowledgable than I~