What Questions Should I Ask "SPECIFICALLY" to a Surgeon About my Hernia Repair ? (photo)

I usually refer these to a general surgeon for correction 6-8 weeks prior to the tummy tuck.  But I think you'll be able to keep your belly button...

Looking at your pictures, it does not look like you will loose your navel. It looks like your old surgical scar needs to be used as an access point. You will have decreased chance of a recurrence if a mesh is used. Ask your Doc regarding the use on a biological device like Strattice. I agree with at least a two month recovery of the abdominal region. 

From my looking at your photos, I am not sure why the navel needs to be removed. It could be lifted off the hernia defect and sutured back down after the repair if it is done at open surgery.

I would seek another opinion on this one. Ask the surgeon if this can be done with a laparoscope (maybe not with the history of intussuception). Ask about the need for mesh. Mesh is usually used because the chance of recurrence of the hernia is much lower with mesh. Check with you regular doctor to see if he or she knows of a surgeon with special experience and interest in hernia repair. Good luck. 

Find a surgeon who is very comfortable with laparoscopic surgery. Since your original surgery was so long ago it is a very good option to fix it laparoscopically. You will need mesh but ask the surgeon what kind they use: light or ultralight weight mesh is the best. No mesh means higher recurrences and open repair, which you do not want. I have done some of the most complex abdominal wall reconstructions and have not lost a belly button yet. Limited heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks post op is normal. Same day surgery in most people. If it gets converted to open surgery due to too much scar tissue may be 1-2 days stay, but if you are healthy no overnight stay for most.