Ender really describes it well. I had hernia surgery maybe 6 years ago. Had a large visible lump for years and years that never really bothered me but I just got tired of looking at it. Had it fixed laparoscopically to avoid scars. They put a screen in and all is well. Took it easy coming back but all is totally normal now and does not effect heavy leg work at all. Doesn't even cross my mind (till now, thanks!)
My advice would that if you have the procedure done make sure your doc totally checks the other side as well and if a weakness is noted to put the screen in there as well. Get it all done at once. For a few days sitting up on my own was almost impossible. I learned to sleep in the lazy-boy so I could get up on my own and function. And yes, you can get back to where you were.
Good luck with it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5iGtAat67M
kel