Skip to Content

How much weight do you lose after hernia surgery?

The amount of weight you lose after hernia surgery largely depends on the type of hernia and the severity of the condition. Generally speaking, most people will lose some weight after surgery due to the post-operative diet, recovery period and healing process.

That said, the amount of weight lost will vary depending on the individual.

For those with a direct hernia, the average weight loss is around 10-15 pounds. This is because the patient typically has to invest a lot of time in their recovery, including limiting movement and extending time in bed while taking pain medications.

Generally, patients are encouraged to keep their activity light and rest as much as possible until they have fully recovered. In addition, due to the restrictions on activities, many people find themselves eating less often, which can contribute to weight loss.

On the other hand, those with an inguinal/indirect hernia may experience weight loss of around 5-10 pounds as the healing process does not typically require as much bed rest or include a restricted diet.

After surgery, many patients are encouraged to return to a normal activity level slowly and guided by their doctor, so weight loss may not occur as drastically.

In summary, the amount of weight you lose after hernia surgery will vary depending on the type of hernia and the severity of the condition. In general, it is common to see some weight loss due to the post-operative diet, recovery period, and healing process.

Those with a direct hernia can expect to lose around 10-15 pounds, while those with an inguinal/indirect hernia may see a weight loss of 5-10 pounds.

Will hernia surgery make my stomach flatter?

No, hernia surgery will not make your stomach flatter. Hernia surgery is typically done to repair a weak or damaged area in the abdominal wall and to reduce the chances of hernia recurrence. It will not affect the shape or size of your stomach, nor will it make it flatter.

However, if you have been struggling with a bloated or oversized stomach before the hernia surgery, losing weight through proper diet and exercise can help you reduce your stomach size and make it appear flatter.

Additionally, engaging in core strengthening exercises post hernia surgery can help you build core strength, making you look more toned.

Will my stomach be flat again after hernia surgery?

It is possible that you may have a flatter stomach after hernia surgery. However, there will be a period of recovery and it may take some time for your stomach to appear flatter again. A hernia is a tear or defect in the wall of the abdomen which can cause the intestines to protrude outward.

Your doctor can repair this tear during hernia surgery, which may improve the appearance of your stomach. During the recovery period it is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor.

Depending on the size of your hernia and the type of surgery that is performed, it may take several weeks for your stomach to fully recover and potentially appear flatter. Additionally, you should avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks after the operation to allow for proper healing of the surgical site.

Along with following the instructions of your doctor, you may want to consider engaging in gentle forms of exercise to help strengthen your abdominal muscles, which can contribute to a flatter stomach.

How long does it take for your stomach to go down after hernia surgery?

The amount of time it takes for your stomach to go down following hernia surgery will vary based on the type of surgery you receive and your body’s individual healing process. Generally, it may take anywhere from two weeks to several months.

During this recovery period, your surgeon may ask that you remain inactive as your incision heals and follows a diet with smaller, more frequent meals. It’s important to listen to the advice of your doctor during this time as proper healing can help reduce the chance for infection and other complications.

Depending on the severity of the hernia, you may also be asked to wear a support garment to help keep the site of the incision stabilized. As you heal, it is important to check-in with your doctor to ensure you are recovering properly.

Does the bulge go away after hernia surgery?

The short answer is yes, a hernia surgery will typically make the bulge go away. Hernias occur when a hole or weak spot in the abdominal muscles allows part of the intestine to protrude through the area.

Surgery is usually the only way to repair the hernia and, once repaired, the bulge should no longer be visible or noticeable.

Recovery from hernia surgery typically takes about two to six weeks, although it can be longer for some. During the recovery process, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding how to care for the area.

This often includes avoiding excess strain and/or heavy lifting, taking it easy as much as possible, applying cold compresses to the area, and taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to help manage any pain.

Once the repair has healed and the patient has fully recovered, the bulge should no longer be visible; the underlying muscle and tissue has been repaired or replaced and the protrusion closed up. In some cases, however, the bulge may return if the underlying issue has not been addressed and the hernia is prone to recurrence.

Be sure to talk to your doctor or surgeon if you have any questions or concerns about the repair or potential recurrence of the hernia.

Can you feel hernia mesh inside you?

It is possible to feel hernia mesh inside of you after surgery, but it should not be painful. Depending on the size of the mesh and the type of surgery you had, you may feel pressure or a bulge where the mesh was inserted.

Some people also report feeling small hard spots around the mesh. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern unless the area is painful. In general, the mesh should not move or be visible. If you experience any pain or discomfort in the area of your hernia surgery, you should contact your healthcare provider.

What is the exercise after a hernia operation?

After a hernia operation, exercise is an important part of the healing process. Patients should consult their physician before beginning any exercise program. Generally, a doctor will advise avoiding straining, lifting, or pushing motions for four to six weeks post-surgery, but that timeline can vary based on the individual situation.

Once permitted, exercises should focus on re-strengthening the abdominal muscles and core while avoiding any movements that strain the area. Doctors might instruct patients to start off with exercises such as gentle walking, upright biking, and shallow knee bends as well as low-impact cardio workouts to increase activity, improve circulation, and rebuild strength.

As the healing progresses, more exercises can be incorporated into the routine, such as planks, lateral bridges, and bridges.

It is important to note that to safely begin, any exercises should be done without pain or discomfort. If at any point during an exercise routine pain occurs, the activity should be stopped immediately.

It is also best not to proceed to the next level of intensity or duration until it is deemed suitable by the surgeon.

Over time, the patient should progress from simpler exercises to those more intensive with light weights and strength-training exercises. The goal is to gradually build up strength and reduce any postoperative discomfort.

As always, it is essential for the individual to listen to their body and talk to their doctor about any discomfort or changes in symptoms.

How long after a hernia surgery till you can lift heavy?

It is important to wait at least 4-6 weeks after hernia surgery before attempting to lift heavy objects. After this time period, it is still important to start slowly and cautiously. The person should wait to lift anything that puts more than 10 pounds of pressure on the abdomen until they are given the go-ahead from their doctor.

Additionally, it is important to avoid activities such as heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling that cause strain on the area until 8-12 weeks post-surgery. This will allow adequate time for the incision site to heal, and the weakened muscles to restore their strength and stability.

What is considered heavy lifting?

Heavy lifting usually refers to an activity that involves moving or carrying an object or objects that are unusually heavy or large for the person doing the lifting. This can include activities such as lifting furniture, moving large boxes, or carrying bulky loads around.

While the exact definition of “heavy lifting” is somewhat subjective, most people agree that any load weighing over 50-100 pounds or so can be considered heavy. Heavy lifting can also involve manipulating an object into a specific position, such as with weightlifting.

Lifting weights can be beneficial to physical health, but improper technique or attempting to lift too much weight can be dangerous and should only be done with proper instruction and supervision.

How can I lift heavy without a hernia?

The best way to lift heavy without risking a hernia is to focus on proper form and use your body’s natural muscle stability. When lifting any amount of weight, use your entire body, including your core and lower body, as well as your arms and legs.

This will reduce the strain placed on your lower back and abdominal area where hernias are most commonly formed.

When lifting, make sure you keep your back straight and abdominal muscles engaged to create a sturdy base for the lift. Stabilize your core by tightening your abdominal muscles and ensure your back is straight by keeping your shoulder blades retracted.

Additionally, make sure the weight is centered and close to the body, as reaching for heavy weights can create strain and put undue pressure on the muscles and ligaments in your abdominal area.

Furthermore, pay attention to the amount of weight you are lifting and keep in mind your personal strength and limits. If you are unable to lift a certain weight without difficulty or strain, reduce the amount and build your strength gradually.

Also, taking rests in between sets of heavy lifts can help decrease the strain on the muscles. When resting, make sure to let your spine remain neutral and avoid rounding the back.

Practicing proper lifting form, listening to your body and understanding your own strength is key to lifting heavy while avoiding a hernia.

Can you get a hernia from lifting 20 pounds?

It is possible to get a hernia from lifting 20 pounds, although it is unlikely. A hernia is caused when excessive force is placed on the abdominal wall, causing the abdominal contents to protrude through a weakness in the muscle wall.

To cause a hernia, the force must be greater than what the abdominal wall is able to withstand. Depending on the person, this amount of force can be different. For some people, it might require a very large amount of weight, while for others, the amount could be much less.

Lifting 20 pounds is not normally an amount that would cause a hernia, but if the weight is lifted in an improper manner, it could contribute to one. If someone is concerned about getting a hernia from lifting weights, it is best to start off lifting less weight and gradually increase it over time.

In addition, proper lifting technique is important to reduce the risk of injury.

What does a hernia from lifting feel like?

A hernia from lifting can feel like a burning sensation, aching, and/or pressure near the area of the hernia. It may also be accompanied with nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. With a hernia, if the person feels pain while they are lifting a heavy object, they should stop and avoid lifting the object.

The hernia may also cause the muscles in the abdomen to become tender, making it even more difficult to lift objects. The pain usually persists and gets worse with activity, making it difficult to do everyday tasks.

If a hernia is suspected, it is important to visit a healthcare professional right away to diagnose and treat the issue.

What type of hernia is caused by heavy lifting?

Inguinal hernias, which are the most common type of hernia, are often caused by heavy lifting. Inguinal hernias occur when a portion of the small intestine or fatty tissue bulges through the abdominal wall in the groin or inguinal region.

When extra strain is put on abdominal muscles, the pressure can cause a hernia. Heavy lifting is one of the most common causes of inguinal hernias, especially when the person does not use proper lifting techniques and does not warm up properly.

Other causes may include straining during urination, excessive coughing, and being overweight. If a hernia is left untreated, it can cause serious complications, such as severe pain and an increased risk of strangulation of the intestine.

Treatment for an inguinal hernia typically involves surgery.