Previously, on “Lake Neuron”: In early December, Our Hero was read the riot act by his doctor and instructed to lose weight. He began avoiding all sugared colas, and eating better in general, but left himself room to splurge when appropriate. In January, he began a year-long membership at Shelbyville Recreation Center and found it more enjoyable than he expected; his normal routine was to work out in the fitness room and then enjoy himself in the pool.

Up until about a week and a half ago, I had only been using the aerobic machines in the fitness room — in my case, the rowing machine, the elliptical walker and the stationary cycle. A week ago Saturday, I decided the time was right to begin to try the weight machines. I was cautious, trying to set the weight so that I could do 10 reps on a given machine.

I lasted until Thursday, which was when I happened to place my hand on my belly and felt — something. A bump, a bubble, something. It was right next to my belly button. Its size and firmness depended on whether I was standing or sitting; it didn’t seem too large, a little larger than a grape. There was no pain or sensation whatsoever; when I say I felt it, I only mean I felt it with my fingers, from the outside.

I knew what it was likely to be. I called my doctor on Friday, and the earliest they could fit me in was today. Over the weekend, I avoided not only the weight machines but the aerobic machines, sticking instead to the indoor walking track. (The pool was denied me as well, not because of my situation but because the heaters have been broken. It’s supposed to open back up this week.)

I worried about it. If it was a hernia, would I have to have surgery? Would it be right away? What would my insurance cover? Would it interfere with my California trip next week?

Well, the doctor said today that it is, in fact, a small umbilical hernia. But it’s apparently a minor condition. Repair of it is considered elective surgery and is usually done for aesthetic reasons. Right now, my belly is my least aesthetic feature, and in fact the only thing you can see about the lump is that it has converted my belly button from a full moon into a crescent moon. My doctor said that unless the hernia begins to bother me, there’s no need for me to do anything.

It is possible that stress on the hernia could worsen it, so my doctor and I agreed that I would stay away from the weight machines for the time being. I will stick with the aerobic machines.

Meanwhile, I got a little good news while I was at the doctor’s office. Remember that he told me in early December to lose weight? I saw the doctor on December 5. I was weighed again when I arrived for my appointment today, exactly eight weeks later.

I have lost 13 pounds.