I think I may have a hernia, will that delay surgery?

[Jane_S 0]

Hi all,

I've been having some minor pain in my tummy, around my belly button, for a couple of months. It flares if I sneeze, or bump my tummy against something but it's never really painful - more annoying. I can't feel any lumps etc - it's kinda like how you feel if you graze your knee. But I can tell that my tummy is lopsided (ie the right seems to hang lower than the left).

I think it may be a hernia. I'm due to be banded on June 11th and am terrified that this might hold up my surgery. I know it needs to get seen to but I want to get the lapband surgery out of the way first.

Has anyone experienced this before and did it hold up your surgery? I've tried to do a search on this topic but I couldn't find anything that really suited my situation.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide advice.

Edited to add: I will be going to see my GP on Tuesday to get it checked out.

Edited May 30, 2009 by Jane_S
Additional information

[inri09 0]

if it is a hernia, as opposed to delaying, you might be able to get it taken care of at the same time. Could help reduce costs if they'll do both at once.

I had a gall bladder operation shortly after the lap band, doctor said at times he sees a hernia when he's operating, fixes it at the same time. Gall bladder cut is in a different location, but maybe they can fix it during your lap band.

[Jane_S 0]

Thank you Inri!

I went and saw my GP today (couldn't wait until Tuesday) and she couldn't feel anything. But she's sending me for an ultrasound anyway, just to be on the safe side.

She indicated that my surgeon will probably fix it at the same time as the lap band, so that's good news. My preference is to get the lap band before anything else, as I believe my weight has alot to do with the hernia (if that's what it is) being aggravated.

Thanks again!