I just found out that the reason for my bloated belly and the hard lump in my stomach is an abdominal hernia, and the only way to repair it is through surgery. I'm scared about the surgery ,but at least now I know what the problem really is. I was told that its quite common(hernias) and that the surgery is considered minor, but I'm still nervous about it. Thanks to all of you who helped me by giving me constructive information..