Lapband & Hernia...To Be or Not to Be

[Jules_NC 2]

Hi ya'll!My name is Jules, I just signed up with ya'll today. I live in Jax. NC & I am 48.I have a question. While talking with my doctor today she suggested that I get lapband surgery. I am 5'2" & weigh 259. Then my husband brought up my hernia. The hernia is located to the right side of my belly button. My doctor then expressed that they may not do the lapband due to where my hernia is. Does anyone have any experience with this? I'm going to have double knee replacement very soon and I would like to get as much of this weight off me as possible. I would appreciate any info anyone has.Thanks,Jules

[sandiegokate 0]

Hi Jules,

Your doctor might repair the hernia at the same time they install the lapband. If I were you I would probably see a couple doctors to see what their approach is. There may be varying ideas.

Good luck on the double knee replacement, are you doing them at the same time? God bless you... thats rough but then again I can see the benefit of doing it at once. My mom had had both hips done, one knee, and is going for the 2nd knee next month. It made a world of difference in her quality of life, so amazing what they can do! A good friend of mine who is just 45 had a hip replacement a couple of months ago.. early onset arthritis, she's doing fabulous!!

Take care,

[Jules_NC 2]

Sandie, thanks so much for your reply...I'm very excited about my knee replacement. I injured my left knee when I was 13 so I have suffered with that for over 30 years and it's now to the point I just can't handle it much longer...I sincerely hope they will do my lapband even though the hernia is where it is. I just want my life back. I want to feel good again and be able to walk right and not in constant pain or out of breath after 10 fast steps...I don' think that's too much to ask for...lol

[fgallant 0]

Jules,

I had a similar problem to yours. a hernia the size of a melon next to my bellybutton. The doctor ruled out gastric bypass, but did lapband and fixed the hernia at the same time. also had a panniculectomy. although complications, i have absolutely no regrets. I had to lose 100 lbs before he'd do it though. So it can be done. If your doctor says no, than there must be more to it, or you need to find another doctor. Good luck.

Frank

[JosieK 120]

hi jules,

seems like alot of bandsters have hernia's. i had a big one and my doctor repaired it when he was in there putting my lapband in. i didnt know i had it. he was shocked i didnt know about it since it was big.

why not go to see a few lapband doctors in your area to get their input. you can also research doctors on this site. that is how i found both my lapband and plastic surgeon.

good luck and dont worry...hernia's are pretty common.

josie

[luvs2laff 0]

Hi Jules!

I just got banded 9/22/09 and to my surprise, my dr. found that I had a haital hernia - quite a large one at that! He simply pulled my stomach through, put on my lap band, and sewed me back up! He was actually pleased about the whole thing because I allowed a group of medical students to watch my surgery (and not one sent me flowers!!!). Could you possibly ask your surgeon if your hernia could be repaired since you'll be "open" anyway!

Also, I am 46 and have had a partial knee replacement (2 yrs. ago) My other knee has no cartlidge left at all and I am bone on bone. I get cotizone shots as soon as my time period between is up. But, guess what! I was at a peak of knee pain, doctor was on vacation and his office could not schedule me until Sept. 30th (I called 9/1). I've since lost 25 lbs. and I've been working on a recumbant bike at my gym and me knee pain is completely gone! No ibuprofen or painkillers or antiinflamatories! It's your call, but I'm thrilled I can put the second surgery off a little longer!!! Good luck! Hope this helped!

Also, a