Precautions & Lifestyle Changes After Hernia Surgery
Laparoscopic surgical hernia repair patients may be able to go home a few hours after surgery or the next day. For more complex cases a few days’ stays in the hospital may be warranted. Normally, most patients feel fine within a few days after the hernia repair surgery and resume normal eating habits and activities. Severe activity and exercise are restricted for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Sometimes the difficulties of hernia repair can include urine retention, wound infection, hydrocele formation (collection of fluid around the testis), and scrotal edema.
The do’s and don’ts after hernia surgery include –
Do's
- You can take walks
- Do some stretch exercises
- Eat a lot of fiber and vegetables
- Drink enough fluids
Don'ts
Although the skin damage heals within a week or two the inside tissues take longer to heal and this process can go on for 6 months or more. To avoid repetition of hernia some safeguards for a few months are always advised and these include:
- Avoid lifting heavy weights for a 3 to 4 months
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid straining when moving bowels
- Avoid running up the stairs
- Avoid strenuous exercises
Life Style Changes:
Making lifestyle changes go a long way in preventing the recurrence of the hernia. Here are some lifestyle changes that Kaizen Gastro Care experts suggest to their patients after hernia surgery:
- Quit smoking, if not immediately but eventually:
Tobacco contains nicotine. Nicotine slows the blood flow in the body. After surgery, good blood flow to the area is needed for the incision to heal well. The blood flow in smokers is interrupted due to nicotine which makes it a little difficult for the injuries to heal. Also, if you keep coughing while or after smoking, the reprised pressure on the abdomen can lead to an inguinal hernia. - Lose weight if you are obese or overweight:
Being heavy or obese can cause several medical disorders such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heart problems, kidney problems, stroke, diabetes, etc. Being heavy puts pressure on the organs in the abdominal area. Steady pressure on the abdominal area while sitting, standing, or moving around can result in a hernia. Losing weight not only lowers the risk of hernia but also of several other medical disorders. - Including fiber in your diet:
Including more fiber in the diet can help bypass constipation. (Fiber can be included through the addition of vegetables, whole grams, fruits, etc). Long-term constipation strains the organs in the lower abdominal area and that can lead to a hernia. - Take enough care while lifting weights
Whether you are working out regularly or your profession demands lifting weights or heavy objects regularly, proper care needs to be taken so that your lower back and abdominal area are protected. Secure the area with supportive belts to reduce the pressure. - Get stronger physically – workout regularly:
Working out regularly keeps all the muscles strong and can help reduce the risk of any type of hernia. Not only you will lose the extra pounds that add stress to your mind and body, but you can also become strong physically and can be more confident in your regular life.
Visit Kaizen Gastro Care:
Get an effective cure for hernia with low-risk procedures. Reach us via booking an online appointment or call us. Kaizen Gastro Care Expert – Dr. Samrat Jankar is one of the most renowned laparoscopic hernia specialists in Pune, India. He has expertise in treating complicated hernias and failed hernias. He is widely experienced in the latest laparoscopic techniques of hernia repair. He has about 12 years of experience and has performed 2000+ advanced laparoscopic procedures.