Hernia Surgery

[Jules_NC 2]

Hi everyone. I have a question that I hope someone can answer. In 2009 I had lower abdominal hernia repair surgery. A large sheet of mesh was inserted in my lower stomach. Should I still be able to get lap band surgery? I'd really appreciate it if someone can help me with this question.

Thanks!

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

It won't effect your ability to get the Lap Band, especially if it's on your lower abdomen. Just be sure your surgeon is aware of it and the mesh ahead of time.

I too have mesh on my lower stomach due to a big hernia, in fact it goes all the way from the navel to the pubic line. I got the mesh in 2008 and the Lap Band in 2011. No problems whatsoever.

[Jules_NC 2]

Missy thank you so much! I've been so worried about that. My general Dr. is sending me to a surgeon so I'm at zero in the process but very excited now. Can you tell me about your journey? I haven't a clue what to expect.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Missy thank you so much! I've been so worried about that. My general Dr. is sending me to a surgeon so I'm at zero in the process but very excited now. Can you tell me about your journey? I haven't a clue what to expect.

With the hernias, I won't lie, it's been a long road. It's been a reoccurring issue ever since I had my son in 2002. I'm told losing weight will help lessen the chance of them reoccurring so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

As for weight loss, I absolutely love my Lap Band. I lost over 230 pounds in about 20 months. I feel and look like a new person.

Do you have specific questions I could help with?

[Jules_NC 2]

Hey Missy, I have a friend that insists that if I have this surgery that I'll have horrible bags of skin hanging everywhere. One friend that I have actually had gastric bypass and she said she looked better when she weighed 300 lbs than she does now as far as her body goes. But I'm really concerned about my health. I'm 52 and very very small boned. The only reason I know this is because when I had my knee reconstructed the surgeon said he was shocked at how tiny my bones are. I weigh almost 300 and I'm miserable in every way. I'm feelin real discouraged about the surgery now. I dunno. I'm just sad now...

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Hey Missy, I have a friend that insists that if I have this surgery that I'll have horrible bags of skin hanging everywhere. One friend that I have actually had gastric bypass and she said she looked better when she weighed 300 lbs than she does now as far as her body goes. But I'm really concerned about my health. I'm 52 and very very small boned. The only reason I know this is because when I had my knee reconstructed the surgeon said he was shocked at how tiny my bones are. I weigh almost 300 and I'm miserable in every way. I'm feelin real discouraged about the surgery now. I dunno. I'm just sad now...

You might have a lot of sagging skin. Whether or not you have sagging excess skin depends on how much weight you have to lose and how long you've carried it, your age, whether or not you smoke, and genetics.

I will tell you this- I have a lot of excess skin. But, I look SO MUCH better now than when I weighed over 400 pounds. I can hide the excess skin easily with clothes but there is no hiding over 230 pounds of excess fat. I'll take the excess skin over the excess fat any day.

Edited December 15, 2013 by Mis73

[The Icy One 518]

I agree with Mis. I know, with the amount of weight I have to lose that loose skin is inevitable. I figure that Spanx and flattering clothes will help a lot and in the end, I would sure as h*ll rather deal with some excess skin than the excess fat and the health problems that comes with it.

[Jules_NC 2]

Thanks girls! I'm in total agreement. Saggy skin or not I'll feel like a new person health wise.