Preparing for Surgery

Leading up to your hernia operation at Ogden Clinic, you should not eat or drink the day of the operation. Bathe or shower on surgery day, and clean the area around your hernia with a mild antibacterial soap. Do not shave the surgical site; the Ogden Clinic surgical team will clip any hair near the incision(s).

You’ll want to bring a few items to ensure that your stay goes smoothly. Bring with you:

·       Your insurance card and ID

·       List of all current medications including vitamins and over-the-counter medication

·       Comfortable clothing

·       Slip-on shoes that do not require you to bend over

The Ogden hernia operation is performed under general anesthesia. It’s important to let Dr. Dunning know if you have any conditions that may interfere with anesthesia including allergies, stomach problems, diabetes, heart or lung disease, or a history of nausea with anesthesia.

After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room where Dr. Dunning’s surgery team will closely monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation while you begin to heal.

Recovery after Hernia Removal

Arrange to have a responsible adult drive you home. It’s helpful to have someone else stay with you for a couple days to help you out with post-operative instructions. Expect to rest following your hernia operation in Ogden and gradually increase movement. Dr. Dunning will send you home with wound care instructions and guidance for your nutrition, activities, and bowel movements. Keep in mind that you may feel tired or disoriented after surgery so do not plan on driving for the first couple days.

Pain

You will experience some degree of pain during recovery and it’s normal for your incision(s) to feel tender or numb for two to three days. Dr. Dunning will write you a prescription for pain control medicines as needed. Some people find that over-the-counter pain medicine is sufficient, just make sure to ask Dr. Dunning which OTC pain relievers you can take following surgery.

Nutrition

The goal of your diet for the next few weeks will be to prevent strain and constipation while your incisions heal. It’s important to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day and eat a high-fiber diet (beans, bran cereal, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains are excellent!) We also recommend taking a fiber supplement such as Metamucil® or FiberCon® to ease bowel movements and decrease straining.

Activities

Take the time to properly recover from the Ogden hernia operation but do not stop moving entirely.  Slowly increase activity in the days following surgery. Walking a bit every hour will increase circulation and prevent blood clots from forming. Do not lift anything over ten pounds for the first couple weeks. When Dr. Dunning determines that you can lift heavier objects, lift with your legs and back rather than your abdomen.

Return to work

As long as you are not required to lift anything over 10 pounds, climb, or perform strenuous activity, you may return to work as soon as you feel able, sometimes within a few days after surgery.   Keep in mind that you may tire easily when you return to work. If you are able to work a partial day or work light duty, this will be helpful when you first return.

If your job requires lifting or strenuous activity, you will need more recovery time. Discuss your job requirements with Dr. Dunning to determine the amount of time you’ll need before returning after a hernia operation with Ogden Clinic.