Question:
Having surgery Sept 5th for hernia

Hi all of my wonderful WLS friends! Just wanted to let you know that my hernia repair is next Tuesday. I have a VERY large hernia plus 2 more to be repaired. I wanted to know if anyone had the excess skin on their tummy removed during this process. I DO NOT want nor need a tummy tuck, but would like the skin tightened alittle bit. (I've lost 160 pounds and am at goal) Problem is, that the doctor said that sometimes he has seen it come out looking bad after doing this. He is removing the original scar and making a new one as mine is not too pretty to be honest (another doctor did it. So, has anyone had any experience with just doing this? Also, with an open hernia surgery (with mesh) what was your recovery time? I am good with pain and need to get back to work as soon as possible. He said that i would be in the hospital for 24 hours and can be back to work possibly in 2 weeks....does this sound right? Please please let me know and say a prayer for me if you remember. Thanks to all and my love and best wishes to everyone! Barb    — Barbara H. (posted on August 30, 2000)

August 29, 2000
Hi Barb... Good luck with your surgery. I had exactly that procedure done. 3 hernias repaired with mesh, and a tummy tuck & pubic lift done at the same time. I am also good with pain, and I had it done on a wednesday, out on thursday... took a week off then returned to my office job on the next Monday. I was sore, but nothing terrible. I had approximately 160 stiches & staples. The only thing that I wish was different, is that I have what are termed as "dog ears" small flaps of skin in my hip area where my leg joins my body. But remember, I lost 225 lbs ... lots of extra skin to deal with. If you are fairly tight already, my guess is this is not going to happen with you. Good luck, and if you need to e-mail privately feel free. [email protected] or [email protected] M
   — Mary Anne M.