How Do I Prepare My Body for Hernia Surgery?

Are you wondering, “How do I prepare for hernia surgery near me?” If so, you’re not alone. Undergoing any type of surgery requires proper preparation, especially an abdominal procedure like a hernia repair. 

The good news is that you’re taking a great step toward healing with hernia surgery in Orange County. Surgical repair is the most effective treatment for hernias. Although you may be ready to have the procedure done so you can get back to your normal routine, you need to prepare your body for the surgery and the recovery process. Here are some steps that you can follow to ensure an optimal recovery.

Understanding the Type of Hernia

The first thing patients can do to prepare for hernia surgery is to understand their particular hernia type. Below are the most common hernia types that require surgery:

• Hiatal: These hernias occur when a portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, into the chest. 

• Inguinal: Occurring primarily in men, inguinal hernias occur when a piece of the intestine bulges through the inguinal canal in the upper groin area.  

• Incisional: An incisional hernia can occur at the site of a previous surgical incision, whether that’s in the center abdomen, groin, or belly button.
• Ventral: This refers more to a category of hernias in the central abdomen. Ventral hernias can include umbilical (belly button), epigastric, and incisional hernias.

While the general preparation is the same for all hernias, the location or severity of some may require specific exercises or more precautions. For example, patients with a hiatal hernia can focus on breathing exercises to strengthen their diaphragm, while hamstring stretches can help inguinal hernia patients. Keep in mind that these stretches aren’t an alternative to surgery but can help keep the body strong and healthy in the days leading up to the operation—without potentially worsening the hernia. 

Hiatal hernia patients should also follow a stricter diet leading up to the surgery. Because of the location, the hernia can easily cause uncomfortable acid reflux symptoms. Patients should avoid things that cause heartburn, like caffeine and citrus, spicy, or fatty foods.

The severity of the hernia also affects surgery preparation. People with larger, more complex hernias should talk with a specialist to determine what activities are off-limits to ensure the hernia doesn’t worsen or become emergent between now and the surgery date.

Medical Assessment and Pre-Op Tests

Not only will a hernia specialist explain the type of hernia, but they will also review the patient’s medical history and schedule any necessary pre-op tests. These typically include blood work, a physical examination, and perhaps imaging of the hernia. If the patient has underlying conditions that put them at greater risk, the surgeon might order additional tests like an EKG.

Either way, these tests require additional appointments and consultations leading up to the hernia surgery.

Dietary Adjustments for Hernias

As discussed above, hiatal hernia patients should avoid foods that cause acid reflux. But they aren’t the only patients that need to make dietary adjustments before surgery.

Anyone living with a hernia should change their diet to help prevent constipation and develop a healthy digestive tract. This is especially true leading up to the surgery since patients need to be in optimal health for proper healing and recovery.

In the weeks before the hernia surgery in Orange County, people should focus on staying hydrated and eating a nutritious, high-fiber diet. Patients should replace fatty, sugary foods with proteins, fruits, and vegetables to give the body the strength it needs to heal.

Keep in mind, though, that the surgeon’s pre-op guidelines typically require patients to fast from all food and water starting at midnight before the surgery. That’s why proper nutrition in the weeks before the surgery—not the day before—is so essential. 

Hernia Medication Management

During the pre-op consultation process, the surgeon typically asks about current medications. Some prescriptions can interfere with the surgical and recovery processes, causing excessive bleeding or affecting the patients’ response to anesthesia.

Hernia repair specialists generally explain to patients which medications they need to pause before surgery—and how many days or weeks before surgery. People should also mention any over-the-counter supplements they are taking since things like fish oil, Vitamin E, aspirin, and ginger tablets can have similar negative post-of effects. 

Physical Preparations

A common misconception is that people with hernias can’t exercise. However, that’s not completely true. While hernia patients shouldn’t engage in strenuous core exercises, lifting, or combat sports, maintaining an active lifestyle is still essential.

Not only does regular exercise help patients prepare their bodies for post-op recovery and mobility, but it also helps them stay at a healthy weight. Any extra weight can put pressure on the abdomen wall and worsen the hernia. Plus, obesity often increases the possibility of post-op complications.

That’s why patients should regularly engage in light exercise like walking, swimming, or biking as preparation for hernia repair surgery. They can also use some of the stretches and exercises mentioned above, such as diaphragm exercises for hiatal hernias and hamstring exercises for inguinal hernias. 

Lifestyle Considerations

In addition to exercise and diet, patients need to make some lifestyle changes to promote a quick healing time. For example, people who smoke and/or drink should stop at least a few weeks before surgery, if not longer. Both nicotine and alcohol can slow healing and increase the risk of incisional infections.

Staying well rested—both before and after surgery—can also result in a quicker healing time. Sleep helps lower stress levels and promote growth hormones that aid in healing. If patients go into the surgery well-rested, the body can focus on healing the incision rather than replenishing other areas that are lacking nutrients. 

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Surgery can be intimidating, so it’s completely understandable for patients to be stressed in the days leading up to the procedure. One way patients can manage pre-surgery jitters is to include meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga in their daily routine. They can also seek counseling or support groups to talk through their concerns.

The surgeon can also help calm patients’ anxiety by setting realistic expectations for both the procedure day and the recovery process. An experienced, caring hernia repair specialist helps establish an open dialogue with the patient to cover any risks and benefits involved. 

Hygiene and Skin Preparation

Hygiene and skin preparation should begin right before the operation. While not necessary, patients can shave the area a few days prior to the operation—but with hair clippers, not a traditional razor. This helps avoid any bacteria entering the skin and causing an infection.

Right before going in for hernia surgery in Orange County, patients should bathe or shower. This is usually ideal since they need to wait at least 24 hours to shower after the operation. Instead of using scented products, people should opt for a mild anti-bacterial soap—at least for the incisional area.  

Planning for Post-Surgery

Aside from bodily preparations, patients should prioritize setting up an optimal healing environment. They should buy any necessary supplies well before the surgery, including ice packs, extra pillows, and over-the-counter pain medications (pre-approved by the surgeon). Clothes are another crucial consideration. Patients should set aside some loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t put any pressure on the hernia or incisional site for ultimate post-op comfort.

During the recovery period, patients should limit physical activities—especially lifting—and prioritize rest. That might mean they need to ask family or friends for support with household tasks, like making meals, cleaning, and childcare. People should also make sure to ask for a few days off work with sufficient notice. 

Financial and Logistical Preparation

As soon as a patient starts preparing for hernia surgery in Orange County, they should prioritize financial preparation. Since a hernia repair is usually considered a medical necessity, insurance companies typically cover at least a portion of the operation. However, patients should contact their insurance company to see how much of the procedure is covered by insurance and how much they need to pay out of pocket. If there’s a large out-of-pocket expense, people should start looking at different payment options.

Patients also need to organize surgery-day transportation. The procedure requires anesthesia, so the patient can’t drive themselves that same day. They should look for a support person to drive them to and from the surgical center—and even stay with them that first night. 

Final Pre-Op Consultation

After testing and evaluations, patients typically have a final pre-op consultation. This appointment gives them time to bring up any questions or concerns with the surgeon and review what to expect on surgery day. The specialist generally provides pre- and post-op guidelines for the patient and reviews any last-minute requirements regarding medications, diet, or hygiene.

Conclusion

When living with a hernia, the only true treatment option is hernia surgery in Orange County. Although a surgical procedure can be intimidating, it’s worth it for the long-term benefits.

Consider the points above, and make sure to talk with your surgeon about specific preparation guidelines. By establishing an open and honest dialogue, you can know what to expect and how to prioritize your physical and mental health for optimal surgical results and a smooth recovery.

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