<s>[INST] I have a hernia in my stomach, i am waiting to have this operated on and now having recently lost 6 stone this is going to happen. Since losing the weight my stomach looks like a football and its hard but i can feel it move about, is this normal? When i have it operated on how long will i be off work? [/INST] Hi ! Good afternoon. I am Chat Doctor answering your query. Yes. It is normal to feel the stomach/intestines move in a hernia specially after losing weight when it becomes more prominent. The number of days of rest required varies and depends on the type of your job, the type of repair done, and any other medical aspect which might defer from person to person. This would be best judged by the surgeon who would operate on you. I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts. Thanks for choosing Chat Doctor to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Chat Doctor </s>