1. Quit Smoking – Typically surgeons recommend that people who smoke stop smoking prior to hernia surgery to help prevent complications.¹ Smokers are four times more likely to develop recurrent hernia after their hernia repair surgery.¹ They are also more likely to develop postoperative infections than non-smokers.¹
2. Daily Medications – Talk to your doctor before surgery about all the medications (even vitamins) you’re taking. Some (like aspirin, blood thinners, or anti-inflammatory medications) may affect your surgery or recovery. Your doctor can advise whether or not you should stop taking them and if so, for how long.²
3. Dietary Restrictions – As with all types of surgery, it’s important to watch what you eat or drink prior to your procedure. A general rule of thumb is to not to eat any food or drink water, coffee, or any other fluid for at least six hours before the procedure, but be sure to follow your doctor's instructions about what you can eat or drink and when.³
4. Bathing – Shower or bathe with antibacterial soap the evening before or the morning of surgery.³
5. Know Before You Go – Understand exactly what surgery is planned and what type of mesh, if any, will be used, along with the risks and benefits.⁴ Learn more about potential benefits, risks, and facts.
6. Get Assistance – Recovery is a gradual process and healing takes time. Allow yourself time to heal after your hernia repair and let family and friends help you, especially the first few days post-surgery. Learn about recovery from hernia surgery.
7. Arrange for Appropriate Time Off – Be sure to take the appropriate amount of time off work to allow yourself to recover from surgery.⁵
8. Schedule a Ride to Get You Home – Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.⁴ Plan to have someone drive you home afterward. You’ll want to take it easy after surgery, too, so you may need extra help at home.²

It's also important to follow your surgeon's instructions carefully after surgery. These may include dietary or activity restrictions, taking prescription medication, wound/incision care, scheduling follow-up appointments, and more. Learn more about the typical ‘Dos and Don'ts’ post-hernia repair on our Recovery page. Talk with your surgeon if you have questions or concerns and download our Doctor Discussion Guide to help prepare for your hernia consultation.

The guidance provided in this article follows general rules that should be discussed with your doctor. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not substitute for medical advice. If in doubt, always consult your doctor.