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Imagine seeing a small lump on your throat or stomach that doesn’t hurt too much. “No big deal, I’ll deal with it later,” you might be thinking. That’s exactly what I thought when I discovered my own curse. I’ve been guiding people to take control of their health for decades, so I thought my healthy lifestyle would take control of their health. I waited a year to fix it – but this was wrong.
When I spoke with Dr. Eric Pienaar, a hernia surgeon from Jacksonville, Florida, he stopped me straight: Hernias don’t heal on their own—they just get worse. Pinar shared in a previous interview. Insights into hernia repair And why “waiting” is not recommended.
We still had a lot to discuss, so in this second interview Pienar shared some more eye-opening insights that I wish I had known sooner. Here I go through them – why hernias are needed, how to choose a surgeon, what surgical options are available and how to recover the right way.
My Hernia Journey — A Lesson in Not Waiting
First I noticed a small lump in my throat. It didn’t bother me much, so I left it behind. Best of all, I’m physically fit – the day before my surgery I was doing 125 pull-ups. However, hernias are not about fitness. They are about a weak spot in your connective tissue.
When I finally spoke to Pienar, he explained that hernias grow over time, making surgery more difficult and dangerous. What I learned from my surgery is that procrastination is the only cure. If you notice a lump sticking around, don’t wait like I did – get it checked out and fixed right away. According to Pinar, “It’s time to repair the hernia.”
How to choose the right surgeon for hernia repair?
Choosing a surgeon isn’t like choosing a new gadget – you have to get it right and you’re in the driver’s seat. I fired my first surgeon not because of a lack of talent, but because his office was a mess, and he rescheduled me four times.
That’s when I turned to Pinar. When I spoke with him, he won me over with his experience and patient-first approach. Struggled to find the exact mesh I wanted though. Here’s what I tell people to look for:
• Experience Matters: Find someone who has done multiple hernia repairs. More surgeries under their belt means they’ve seen it all.
• Communication key is- Your surgeon should answer your questions clearly. If they rush you, that’s a red flag.
• Advocacy – You want a surgeon who fights for what’s best for you. Pinar was that for me.
If you’re not sure which surgeon to use, ask around — friends, family, or even online reviews can point you to a solid one. Remember, you can always get a second opinion. “You are in charge,” Pinar reminds us. If you feel something, don’t settle. And if insurance limits your options, experts like Pinar, who skip insurance for better care, know that if you can afford the cost, it can still be worth it.
What are your surgical options and materials?
Hernia surgery is not one-size-fits-all, and I learned that firsthand. You have two main ways to fix it, as well as the options you use to fix it. Here are the details:
• Types of surgery:
◦ Open surgery – The surgeon makes a large incision to directly repair the hernia. It’s tried and true but means more vacation time.
◦ Minimally Invasive Surgery – Microsurgery with instruments such as a laparoscope or a robot. I went for robotic laparoscopic surgery for minimal scarring and faster healing – although recovery still eluded me.
I chose the minimally invasive route, and Pinar walked me through why it suited my case. Ask your surgeon what works best for you – the size of your hernia and your health will play a role.
• Net Choices – Most repairs use mesh to repair a weak spot, such as reinforcing a tear in a favorite shirt. But not all meshes are the same:
◦ synthetic mesh – Based on plasticsuch as polypropylene. Newer “lightweight” versions have larger holes to reduce friction. It’s cheap and common, but I’ve never had a constant need for plastic in my body. Still, the amount of plastic used in this type of net is very small and is likely to be a major hazard for most people.
◦ biological network – Made from animal tissue such as pig intestines. I chose this one – Surgisys – even though it costs more because it feels more natural.
◦ mixed mesh – It combines synthetic and soluble materials. Pinar likes options like the ProGrip for their ease of use.
I pushed biological mesh, and Pinar made it happen. Ask your surgeon: “What type of mesh do you recommend and why?” Make sure their reasoning clicks with yours.
Preparation for surgery – lessons from my experience
I thought I would rush back – but I was wrong again. When I spoke with Pienaar, he warned me that even at my fitness level, recovery might be harder than I expected. I needed a wheelchair to leave the hospital. Here’s what I wish I could do:
• Plan a vacation – Take at least a week off from work. Even minor wounds take time to heal. Pienar says everyone’s different — some are quick, others need weeks.
• Online Help – Ideally, have someone—a spouse, friend, or hired help—with you for the first few days. You may need help getting out of bed or grabbing a snack.
• Pain Plan – Talk to your doctor about pain relief surgery. At first I skipped medicine and regretted it. The regional block paid off for a day, but after that I needed something. Medications like ibuprofen or narcotics will help – just don’t overdo it.
Recovery tips – rest, pain relief and avoid constipation
Recovery hurt me more than I thought it would, and I learned some big lessons that I want to share:
• Do not exercise during healing. I couldn’t function normally for weeks – even walking a lot slowed me down. Your body’s energy should go toward healing, not lifting weights. Also, pushing too soon risks reversing the repair, so give your body time to heal.
• Take pain relievers if necessary: As mentioned, I tried to tough it out without taking pain meds and it paid off. Pinar suggests ibuprofen and Tylenol together to ease the narcotic. Short term use got me through – I wish I’d started sooner.
• Constipation Address – Constipation is a common problem after hernia surgery because normal bowel function is disrupted and your body needs to conserve energy to heal. While Fiber In general, it is useful to promote healthy intestinal activity, damaged microbiome, damaged Prepared foods And environmental toxins, such as bloating and gas, lead to negative effects.
This is because, in an unbalanced gut, fiber consumption leads to the production of endotoxins instead of beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate. ButyrateThe production of healthy fiber is the key to intestinal health, fueling colonocytes and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
A delayed-release butyrate supplement, designed to deliver butyrate directly to your intestines, may bypass the need for high fiber intake in those with impaired bowel function or those recovering from surgery, such as hernia repair, if your digestive system is temporarily slowed.
Try it in the meantime Magnesiumjust enough to produce a small amount of stool. I like magnesium glycinate and magnesium malate because they are well absorbed and easy on the digestive system.
Be your own health care advocate
The health care system is a jungle, but you can hack through it. Pinar does not take insurance, instead focusing on quality care. I paid out of pocket and don’t regret it – a solid investment in my health. Here’s how to deal with it:
• Proof of Insurance – If you have coverage, see what’s covered – surgery, hospital, drugs and providers.
• Price transparency – Find a clear value. Hospitals cover the mesh, but specific types may not be standard.
• Take responsibility – Ask everything – why this approach, why that mesh? If it doesn’t add up, get another opinion.
To learn more about Pinar’s practice or to consult with him, you can find him online at Advanced hernia specialists. If you are looking for options for hernia surgery, he is an excellent resource.
Remember, hernias don’t hurt – waiting is a gamble you don’t want to take. I learned that the hard way. Act fast, find a skilled surgeon in your corner, weigh your options and prepare before surgery. You have the power — ask questions, lean in for help after surgery, and take time to heal. You come out strong.
FAQ — Your hernia questions answered.
Q: What is the outcome of hernia surgery?
A: It corrects the weak point, stops the tumor from growing and reduces the risk of serious complications. Early intervention makes the process easier and reduces complications.
Q: Are there any downsides to hernia surgery?
A: Expect some pain, swelling, or bruising near the ankle. Long-term issues with a trained surgeon are rare. However, recovery time varies greatly even with minimally invasive procedures.
Q: Is hernia surgery safe?
A: The procedure is routine and low risk with a professional. Infections do occur, but are rare. Choosing a surgeon with extensive experience in hernia repair can greatly reduce these risks.
Q: Why mesh?
A: It strengthens the repair like a strong paste. Options range from plastic to biological. Your personal preferences regarding mesh materials should be thoroughly discussed with your surgeon.
Q: How do I choose the right surgeon?
A: Talk to a hernia specialist like Pinar. Ask about their track record, operating style, and mesh selection. Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Make sure your surgeon is willing to advocate for the treatment options and materials you need.
