When can I exercise after hernia surgery?

In this video FAQ about hernia surgery, Dr. Nora Fullington answers the question - When can I exercise after hernia surgery?
As you will learn, the answer really depends on your level of activity before hernia surgery and what kind of hernia surgery you will have. Patients who are athletic and in excellent physical condition can resume normal activity within 2-4 weeks. Patients with a mesh hernia repair can resume all activity about two weeks after surgery. This includes activities like running after hernia surgery, skiing after hernia surgery, golfing after hernia surgery, cycling, martial arts, basketball, baseball, soccer and even weight lifting after hernia surgery.
Patients who have a no mesh or Shouldice hernia repair may require a few extra weeks before returning to all of these activities. For one thing, the body needs more time to naturally heal after a no mesh repair, and these repairs are more painful, leading to a slightly longer recovery.
Of course, each person is different, so talking to a hernia specialist is important
Dr. Nora Fullington is a hernia surgeon, hernia specialist, and abdominal core health specialist at Boston Hernia.