Hernia repair

[CanadaLoser 80]

For those that had a hernia repair with their wls, was the recovery longer? How long were you off work?

[scoots 16]

I'm curious to read responses too. I'm 6 days post op and had a small hiatal hernia repaired that my surgeon didn't know about until he was in there. I'm not sure how that is affecting my recovery because i hadn't asked or researched about it in my obsessive researching waiting period pre op!

[FrankyG 1,450]

Most results I've seen are that you have no effect at all on recovery since they're doing very little to actually correct a hernia compared to the major surgery for the sleeve.

At most, you'll experience a bit of reflux or GERD that may or may not resolve within the year.

And I was off work for two weeks because that's how long I wanted to take off. I technically could have gone back to work within 4-5 days, but would have been exhausted. I had no pain really at all, and other than some swelling issues that made it difficult to get fluids in for the first 3 days, all I felt was tired and I slept most of that time off.

Edited February 9, 2016 by FrankiesGirl

[jess9395 5,449]

Had one fixed with mine and it didn't seem to make any difference. I was back to all my normal life activities a week out.

[VDLT 244]

I also had a medium size hernia repaired at the time of my conversion but honestly what kept me down for the first week was pain in the belly area, specially where my port was taken out. I had a large bump under the skin there that really hurt.

[dhrguru 1,238]

I'm curious to read responses too. I'm 6 days post op and had a small hiatal hernia repaired that my surgeon didn't know about until he was in there. I'm not sure how that is affecting my recovery because i hadn't asked or researched about it in my obsessive researching waiting period pre op!

I was in the same boats as you- had a hernia repair hat wasn't known about going in. He said it was small but still needed to repair it. My recovery was about 3 weeks to feel fully functional again. I doubt the hernia repair had much to do with it.

[agreen67 47]

I already knew that I needed a hiatal hernia repair when I scheduled my sleeve surgery, but the surgeon also found a small umbilical hernia on the opposite side that needed a few stitches. I had already planned on taking two weeks off of work because I have an active job, but wished I took an extra week. I still had a hard time getting up out of my chair and sitting back down and just general, mild discomfort. I would recommend three weeks if you have a busy job.

[Sylvia13 64]

I knew I had a hiatal hernia which was scheduled to be repaired. No one said anything about it adding to my recovery. I think that the repair was relatively nothing compared to the rest of what was done. I took 2 weeks off. I'm glad I took 2 weeks because I was really tired. I didn't have a lot of pain -- I didn't take any pain relievers after I left the hospital. After going back to work, I missed my afternoon naps for a few days!

[860971 31]

I too had a large hiatal hernia repair. It was very painful just to swallow. I had my time off work extended to 4 weeks. I wish I would have researched the hernia repair recovery a little more. It was not an easy recovery for me. I am still wearing the belly binder for support. It was hard to burp because my esophagus was so swollen. My voice sounded funny and eating is still rough. My doctor said it will take 6-8 weeks for the swelling to totally go away.

[Pescador 1,374]

From posts I have read for almost three years, most everyone had hernias. I would say two days after the sleeve I could have returned to work if I had to. I Don't think it caused extra pain or discomfort at all since we took no pain pills at home. My husband has had two more hernias and surgery since the sleeve. The laparoscopic one was no problem but the inguinal required surgery and a painful recovery.

[bosschick_vsg 6]

I found out today that I also will have a hernia repair with my VSG! From what I have read not too many people report a delay in healing time. If anything I'm reading that there will be a decrease in gastric reflux! I'm so looking forward to that. I sleep with Prilosec at my bed side.

[bosschick_vsg 6]

From posts I have read for almost three years, most everyone had hernias. I would say two days after the sleeve I could have returned to work if I had to. I Don't think it caused extra pain or discomfort at all since we took no pain pills at home. My husband has had two more hernias and surgery since the sleeve. The laparoscopic one was no problem but the inguinal required surgery and a painful recovery.

That's amazing I have to return to work quickly and I'm so worried about my pain and my ability to get around.

[ssflbelle 829]

I had my gallbladder removed, hernia repaired and the sleeve. I had a 6 month supervised diet of high Protein low carb, eliminating diet soda, coffee and tea and exercised. I went in at 11:30 on a Tuesday and was home by 12:30 on Thursday. I have not had any tummy pain or problems with drinking my shakes, Soups and eating my egg. I was able to take off 4 to 6 weeks but I think I will be heading back to work as soon as I am able to eat more than an egg. I truly feel because I did the 6 months and eliminated all that I did plus the exercise that it helped in my recovery. Be as super prepared as you can be and hopefully you will have an easier time of recovery.

[SweetPeas 117]

This is good to know. I'm also having a hernia repair and was wondering just the same thing.

[Pescador 1,374]

At 67, November 2013, I spent about 8 hours in the hospital, was shopping two days later, and walked a slow mile five days later in the mall. Went to brunch a after the sleeve in December, sipped bisque with a dear sick friend. I have shopped more in the past three years than I did the past 10 years. I will be 70 this year, and gout was my only crisis for five hard months. My husband and I have walked many beaches, cruised for seven days, drove across the U.S. and life has changed drastically. I would not change a thing and would do the sleeve again. Asthma, diabetes, HBP, neuropathy, our health has been so much better. I thank God for this surgery.