Hernias!

I know, I know...it's a bizarre topic heading but I do have a serious question!

I see a lot of talk about people having hernias on the boards!  I am sooo curious to know if hernias are a side effect of the surgery or if these are conditions people developped prior to surgery!

Somehave hernias per op such as hiatal hernias, umbilicals. These can be a side effect of obesity. Hernia can develop post op as well. Remember that they insert instruments into the abdominal cavity. Any time the intergrity of a structure is broken there is an opportunity for something to come thru such as the intestine. This is why you need to be careful in not lifting heavy objects before you heal. Even heavy vomiting can tear a stich.
Hope this answers  your question

I developed an umbilical hernia over the past year. I didn't even know I had one until I had an exam at the surgeon's appt.

I had a hiatus hernia which my surgeon repaired when he was in there. I probably had it from before as it was repaired 24 years ago when my gall bladder was taken out. He did it with a few extra stitches and not the me**** feels fine and he said I am all healed inside by now (4 weeks out). I now take a prevacid fast tab every day but don't have any acid reflux.