Hernia BEFORE Surgery?

Good morning to all you snowy MN folks!

I was at the doc (my PCP) on Friday and was told I had bronchitis, so put on antibiotics, neb treatments, etc. I also complained about an odd lump (about pingpong ball size) above my belly button that is tender and hurts more with all the violent coughing I've been doing. He felt around and said it appears to be a hernia! He didn't push any tests, etc. since I'm meeting with the Bariatric Surgeon next Tuesday.

Did any of you have a hernia BEFORE your WLS and do you think they will just fix it during the surgery? I'm afraid they won't be able to do it lap, and I really don't want an open procedure!

Many thanks in advance!
Shannon
 

I didn't know I had a hernia before my surgery, the surgeon told me I did after and he fixed it.  Mine was still lap.

I  had a major old messed up hernia going into surgery.  He did have to open me up along my c-section incision to fix it, then closed me up, and THEN did my lap RNY.

I spent 3 nights in the hospital and had zero issues afterwords.  Don't be afraid - ask any questions you have, share your concerns, and then trust him/her to do what's best for you!  OPEN isn't the end of the world, and sometimes it makes for a smoother surgery.  Gives the doc a clear view of what needs doing.

Either way, you'll be FINE!

Yes it is snowy, I want more Fall weather, then pouting does no good.

As far as your hernia, ask your surgeon, he will probably fix that while he is in there anyway.  Hernias are fixed laparoscopic all the time.  Just ask.  Get over the upper respiratory illness too.

Hugs, Kathy

I have a small one right now, they found it a few weeks ago when they did a CT scan. I am still scheduled for surgery on the 21st for my lapband...they didn't seem so worried about it.

I had a very large on that was repaired when they did my surgery. He was still able to do it all lap though. Good luck!!

Thanks to everyone for sharing their info! I'm hoping for hernia repair and lap RNY without any extra cutting or recovery time.

I'm not afraid of being cut open, as I've had 3 C-Sections in the past 5 years and a THIRD kidney removed when I was a child (it's genetic... my middle son had the same :o)

You're all the great at helping calm the nerves! If all goes well, I should be about a month out from surgery, as I had my final HealthPartners phone consults today, and have met the rest of my requirements (including reaching the required pre-op weight loss goal!). They may even be submitting my insurance stuff TOMORROW!!!

More soon. Thanks again, all!!!
Shannon

Hey Shannon,

I had a hernia also and Dr. Johnson was able to fix it while doing the RNY. But he did say that there was a good possibility that the stitches would pop and then it would have to be fixed again later. They dont use any gauze because with the gauze there is more area for it to become infected.

Good Luck with your surgery and PM me if you have any questions,

Dave

PS ... Dr. Johnson is very good