Girdle-like compression garments or binders (a wide piece of strong elastic material that comes with zippers or Velcro closure) are most appropriate for abdominal hernia repairs, abdominoplasty and liposuction in the abdomen.
At first you may need to rest in bed with your upper body raised on pillows. This helps you breathe easier and may help lessen post-surgery hernia pain. Cold and Heat: Both cold and heat can help lessen some types of post-op pain.
The dressing is shower-proof and can be removed after four days. You may then leave the wound uncovered to enable the healing process. If there is any redness or abnormal discharge from your wound, please contact your GP.
Is it recommended to wear a hernia truss (belt) after surgery? If the hernia belt is comfortable after surgery, it is okay to wear, but not required. Supportive undergarments, like compression shorts are typically comfortable and can help minimize swelling.
There's not set amount of time or number of times you should walk after hernia surgery. Every situation is different and it is not an exact science. Because of this, we recommend taking it slow and don't try and overdo it at first.
There are no medical or physical restrictions on activity after surgery. That means it is OK to walk, climb stairs, lift, have sexual intercourse, mow the lawn, or exercise as long as it doesn't hurt. In fact, returning to normal activity as soon as possible will most likely enhance your recovery.
Most people return to a sedentary job within a week and a half and are cleared for full activities after four to six weeks (i.e. contact sports, police officers, firemen, etc.). Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for four weeks and excessive bending or twisting for one to two weeks following surgery.
Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, a vacuum cleaner, or a child. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
Of course, they should not be doing any strenuous exercise, but all patients after a hernia operation, be it laparoscopic hernia surgery or open, should be encouraged to get out of bed as much as possible and move around. Absolute bed rest is no longer recommended for hernia operations.
Yes! Constipation is a terrible and uncomfortable feeling, especially when you are recovering from hernia surgery and have such little control over your bowels. However, sitting on the toilet can help trigger muscles in your body that says it is time for a bowel movement. Be patient though.
Walking: generally you can resume walking as much as you feel comfortable walking starting the day after surgery. There is no specific limitation. The important thing to remember is to listen to your body. If you are hurting slow down and give it a rest.
Deep breathing and circulation exercises are good. Try to avoid vigorous coughing if your repair was done with the open method. Coughing may strain your incision. For a couple of weeks, when you need to cough or sneeze, splint your incision.
To prevent further injury and trauma to the hernia repair site, avoid sleeping flat on the sides and back.
You should also aim to eat 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day. DON'T worry about mild swelling, bruising, or a hard feeling under your incisions. It's normal for hardness under the wound to stick around for up to 6 months. DON'T lift more than 10 to 20 pounds for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
Having a Bowel Movement After Hernia Surgery
Don't strain, push or force a bowel movement to avoid damaging the repaired hernia. Instead, bring a book or your phone and try to relax so your body can take care of the rest.
Stretching and mild exercise, once you are cleared by your surgeon, can help with circulation and reduce scar tissue. While factors like your personal health and the type of hernia repair surgery will dictate your body's healing rate, following the advice above can help you in your recovery.
It is OK to shower starting around 24 – 36 hours after surgery. If you have bandages on the incisions, take them off before showering. You should see little pieces of tape (called steri-strips) directly attached to your skin. It is OK to get these little tapes wet in the shower.
Do I need to shave before surgery? No! We will use a clipper before surgery. Shaving at home increases the risk of infection.
For patients who have laparoscopic or robotic surgery, this will be anywhere from a couple of days to two after surgery, while patients who have open surgery may need more time to recover before driving again. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help you heal faster.
You must not eat breads, crackers, biscuits, chunky meats such as steaks and dry meals such as cold cuts. You can now start eating soft food such as well cooked pasta, minced meat, flaked fish, well cooked rice, pulses and vegetables with plenty of sauce.
VOIDING / URINATING
Occasionally, after surgery, your bladder may become too full with urine, and urinary retention can develop. This may manifest as either: 1) inability to void, 2) frequent voiding, or 3) frequent voiding of small amounts of urine.
Climbing stairs is permitted in most cases if you feel competent to do so. Depending on which type of surgery was performed, you may be permitted to drive. This is usually within a few days after laparoscopic surgery and within 2 weeks after open surgery.
No strenuous activity, lifting over 20 lbs, sexual intercourse, or other forms of exercise at least until your post-op visit. Based on your particular surgery, these restrictions may/may not hold for a longer period of time; to be addressed at your post-op visit. For complex hernia patients, wear your binder.