Well, I've finally decided to get an op on my hernia. I've had it for several years, but it hasn't bothered me, so I just let it go. Over the past year, I've noticed it has gotten slightly bigger, so I went in for a consultation a couple days ago, and I will be having surgery (mesh) next week Friday. The doc felt around my abdomen, and said there may be as many as 3 small hernias (they're just above my belly button), so he is going to place one sheet of mesh over all of them. I know it's only a matter of time before it becomes a problem, especially since I lift heavy, so now that I will be finished with my PCT at the end of next week, I feel like this is a good of time as any.
For those of you who have had hernia surgery, how long were you out of the gym? And how long did it take for you to start lifting heavy again at 100%? My doc said I shouldn't lift anything over 20 lbs for 4 weeks, then to slowly get back in to it. Just wanted to get some input from other lifters on how soon they recovered?
Also, did having surgery on your hernia effect your potential in the gym? Are you still able to lift as heavy as you'd like without being effected by limitations brought on by the surgery? My goal is to squat and deadlift 600 lbs in a year's time. Will my (fixed) hernia give me any reason for concern?