Hernia repair surgery - what to expect?
Hi -- I have an umbilical hernia that is going to be repaired in a few weeks using mesh. My surgeon has yet to tell me if it's going to be an open or laparoscopic procedure but I think it will probably be the latter.
My question is about what to expect post-surgery. I had a total hysterectomy (robotic) a few years ago and my recovery wasn't bad. A couple of days of moderate pain and then just discomfort after that for a week or two. (I can't do opioids so will be relying mostly on Tylenol for pain management).
I'm hoping that the hernia repair will be the same. I'm also wondering about activity restrictions. I know that lifting more than 10 lbs is not permitted but am unsure what else I won't be able to do. Bending from the waist? I have cats so I am bending over several times a day to feed them and do litterbox duty. I can't really squat due to having a new artificial knee that I'm still breaking in.
Any info/advice from folks who have been there done that would be most welcome. Thank you.