“How long is recovery from abdominal surgery?”

This is a great question and depends very much on what type of surgery you underwent whether it was minimally invasive or open. The reason you underwent the surgery is also very important as the different types of surgeries can have different recovery lengths.

For an inguinal hernia, I tell my patients that you may feel 80% at 2 weeks and about 4-6 weeks to feel 100%. During the first two weeks, I recommend limiting activity, meaning avoiding heavy lifting (more than 20 lbs) and strenuous activities. During weeks 2-4, you can gradually increase your activity. After week 4, there are typically no restrictions. It may take the 4 weeks for your appetite to return to normal, your energy level to improve, and for the aches and pains of surgery to resolve completely.

3-6 months normally, but up to 1 year.