Question:
I just had a revision 2 wks ago to transection and was shocked when

during the operation my doctor discovered a "significant" incisional hernia from my previous surgery 11 mos ago....open rny. We didn't even know I had it. I had an upper GI and was examined two days before surgery! While preparing for my second surgery, I went to Sam's Club and bought a case of firelogs. I lifted them into the cart. Could I have gotten the hernia then? This was 11 mos after my first surgery! Now I am worrying that it is inevitable that I will get another one this time. I am wearing my binder each day. I was ssooooooo careful before and still got one. What can I do to avoid getting one this time around? Any advice appreciated.    — Marilyn C. (posted on October 30, 2001)

October 30, 2001
Opens are at permanent risk of hernias, about 30% get one. I think the risk decreases somewhat with time. I picked LAP because of this issue. LAPs almost never get incisional hernias, and my job involves heavy lifting at times. But look at the bright side, your much healthier and theres a 70% chance you will not get another hernia. Dont lift anything heavy untill your all healed from this surgery.
   — bob-haller

May 16, 2006
I had an open procedure four years ago and had to have two separate incisinal hernias repaired. I combined them with my plastic surgeries so that I got two precedures done at the same time. I asked the surgeon to use webbing to repair the hernias because each one was about 6" long. I do occasional heavy lifting at work. I'm not sure there's any way to avoid getting them except to select lap for the original procedure. My insurance paid for the hernia repairs but not the plastic surgery parts, which were billed to me. Good luck.
   — lili