I could not find much information about training after an umbilical hernia so here is my experience.
Pre-op I did not have a problem at all and I only had the op as a pre-emptive strike to prevent future problems, perhaps when I was older and less fit. I needed full knockout as bizarelly I was quite fit and therefore my stomach muscles were tight and would have caused problems with only a local. I am 55, 13st 3 and 21% bf.
My op was in the evening and I stayed in overnight. I was tired and my stomach was very stiff for 36 hours. Sleeping was manageable. After 48 hours I did a 1 mile walk (~45 mins so very slowly) and I was dog-tired afterwards. In fact post-op tiredness was my major problem as that lasted about 5 days.
I was walking 2-3 miles within a week and could have done more if I had wanted. The recovery period before exercise (golf/running etc) was 5-6 weeks and then take it easy. The surgeon who was a golfer himself suggested trying a 7 iron out after 3 weeks. The following is what I did and is not a recommendation.
2 weeks after the op I jogged 1k on the treadmill at about 10m/k pace. Very easy and it did feel a bit sure. I did that for 3 consecutive days and I had also been on the practise pitch and hit a few wedges etc which went well as I had slowed my swing down which helped).
15 days post/op I went in the pool but could not get myself to actually swim as I was frightened of opening up. 17 days p/o I did the breast-stroke for a few lengths but the crawl made my stomach feel tight. The scar had healed very well by then but the surrounding stomach area was still swollen and it still is 3 1/2 weeks later on.
After 3 days of 1K running I did a 2K and then a 3k at slightly faster pace (8m/k). I was then swimming 1000m using breast stroke and then moved onto crawl with no problems.
After 3 weeks I had played 2 9 holes of golf with no problems but I did feel tired afterwards. I then ran 5K a day for 4 days knocking 30 secs per K off my pace each day and have also played a full round of golf.
After any form of exercise (5Krun, golf, swim) my stomach feels odd - not painful but tight but it doesn't seem to be a problem. I will stay like this for a couple of weeks, doing easy, shortish running, some golf and some swimming.
All in all it took more out of me than I thought but it was invasive surgery, however the recovery period is less than was advised.
I hope that helps anybody else who is contemplating such surgery.
PS I know the groin hernia operation is more serious and I would not recommend the same approach after that operation.
Comments
i waited 4 weeks after my op(same as yours)and i've had no problems with mine.
Is this op mending an "Outie"?
I've just had an op where my abdominal muscles were cut like in a caesarean op. Was this the case for you, I was under the impression that hernia ops were repairing and joining muscles without cutting them. Thanks