Following a laparoscopic hernia surgery, you will be eager to return to your daily routine free from the anxiety and discomfort of having a hernia. Here are a few tips to ease your hernia recovery:
- During the first 1 to 2 days after laparoscopic hernia surgery, it’s a good idea not to plan any work. You should avoid lengthy activities or social functions during those first few days. This minimizes the swelling and bruising that normally occurs following surgery. By keeping the surgical site clean and relaxing you can minimize postoperative pain and swelling. It is a good idea to walk frequently during this time. You can climb stairs or leave the house as long as you are not driving.
- After the first 1-2 days, you transition into medium-term recovery phase, which is about 1-2 weeks. During this time avoid heavy lifting more than 25 lbs (a bag of groceries, a laptop, a gallon of milk, or a handbag). You should be able to return to work during the first week. During the 2nd week after the surgery, you can do light treadmill, biking, or jogging. Be sure not to strain or push yourself.
- At 3 weeks from surgery, you are clear to do almost anything you want to do. However, you should incrementally work your way back up to your former fitness levels. You should not just go to the gym and start doing heavy squats, dead lifts, bench presses or strenuous high-impact activity right away. Start with light weights or even bodyweight exercises and progressively increase your weights.
By following this approach, your road to recovery will be smooth and easy with no long-term limits on the weights, types of exercises, and or any cardiovascular training that you want to do.
