Editor’s note: This article has been reprinted. Originally published March 16, 2025.
Imagine finding a small bump in your groin or stomach that doesn’t really hurt. You might be thinking, “It’s no big deal. I’ll deal with it later.” That’s exactly what I thought when I discovered my hernia. For decades I have been guiding people to take control of their health, so I thought my healthy lifestyle would put me in control of my health. I waited a year to get it fixed. But this was a mistake.
When I spoke with Dr. Eric Pinnar, a hernia surgeon from Jacksonville, Florida, he made it clear to me: Hernias usually do not heal on their own and only get worse. In a past interview, Pinnar shared insight into hernia repair and why “watchful waiting” is not recommended.
There’s still more to discuss, so in this second interview, Pinnar shared more surprising insights that I wish I had known sooner. Here we will tell you why hernias are important, 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
I first noticed a small lump in my groin. It didn’t really bother me so I shrugged it off. After all, I am physically fit. The day before surgery, I did 125 pull-ups. But hernias aren’t just about your health. They are about weak areas of connective tissue.
When I finally contacted Pinnar, he explained that hernias grow larger over time, making surgery more difficult and risky. I have learned from my own surgery that delay only increases profits. If you notice a bulging part, don’t wait like I did – inspect and repair it immediately. As Pinnar says, “The time to fix a hernia is when you find it.”
How do I choose the right surgeon to treat my hernia?
Choosing a surgeon is not like choosing a new piece of equipment. You need to choose the right equipment and be in the driver’s seat. I fired my first surgeon, not because of lack of skill, but because the office was a mess, so we rescheduled him four times.
At that time I chose Pinnar. When I spoke with him, his experience and patient-first approach captivated me. He fought to get me the exact mesh I wanted, despite the hassle. Here’s what I tell people to look for:
• Experience matters — Find someone who has done a lot of hernia repairs. Having more surgeries under their belt means they’ve seen it all.
• Communication is key — Your doctor 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. Pinnar did that for me.
If you’re not sure which surgeon to use, ask around. You can find reliable doctors through friends, family, and even online reviews. Remember, you can always get a second opinion. “You are in charge,” Pinnar reminds us. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t settle. And if insurance limits your options, know that a specialist like Pinnar who skips insurance for better care may still be worth it if you can afford it.
What are your surgical options and materials?
Hernia surgery is not one size fits all, and I learned that firsthand. There are two main ways to fix the problem and a choice as to which method to use to patch it. The summary is as follows:
• Surgery Type:
◦ Open surgery — The surgeon makes a larger incision to repair the hernia directly. It’s a proven method, but it involves more downtime.
◦ Minimally invasive surgery – Small incisions are made using tools such as a laparoscope or robot. I had robotic laparoscopic surgery to reduce scarring and allow for faster healing. However, he still faced challenges during his recovery.
I chose the minimally invasive route and Pinnar explained why it was right for my case. Ask your surgeon what is best for you. The size and health of the hernia play an important role.
• Mesh selection — Most repairs use mesh to shore up weak points, like shoring up a tear in your favorite shirt. However, not all meshes are created equal.
◦ Synthetic mesh — Based on plastic, such as polypropylene. Newer “lightweight” versions have larger holes to reduce irritation. It’s cheap and common, but I don’t really like having permanent plastic in my body. Nonetheless, the amount of plastic used in this type of mesh is very small and is unlikely to pose a significant risk to most people.
◦ Biological Mesh — It is made from animal tissue, such as pig intestines. I chose this – Surgisis – because it feels more natural even though it costs more.
◦ Hybrid Mesh — Combines synthetic and soluble substances. Pinnar prefers options like ProGrip.
I pushed for biological mesh and Pinnar made it happen. Ask your surgeon. “What mesh do you recommend and why?” See if their reasoning makes sense to you.
Preparing for Surgery — Lessons from My Experience
I thought I would recover quickly, but I was wrong again. When I spoke with Pinnar, he warned me that, despite my level of fitness, recovery might be harder than expected. I needed a wheelchair to get out of the hospital. Here’s what I wish I had done:
• Downtime planning — I expect to be off work for at least a week. Even small incisions take time to heal. Pinnar says everyone is different. Some happen quickly, others require several weeks.
• Lineup Help — Ideally, have someone with you for the first few days – a spouse, friend, or hired aide. You may need help getting out of bed or eating a snack.
• Pain Plan — Talk to your doctor about pain relief. At first, I skipped the medication and regretted it. Local blocks paralyzed me for a day, but I needed something after that. Medications such as ibuprofen or narcotics can also help. Don’t overdo it.
Recovery Tips – Rest, Relieve Pain and Prevent Constipation
Recovery hit me harder than I thought, and I learned some big lessons that I want to share.
• Avoid exercising while healing — I haven’t been able to exercise as much as I normally would for several weeks. Even walking too much slowed me down. Your body’s energy should be focused on healing, not lifting weights. Additionally, if you push too quickly you risk undoing the repair, so give your body time to heal.
• Take painkillers if necessary. As I said, I tried to get through it without any painkillers and paid the bills. Pinnar suggests taking ibuprofen and Tylenol together for drug relief. I got through it after using it for a short period of time. I wish I had started sooner.
• Constipation relief — Constipation after hernia surgery is a common problem caused by disruption of normal bowel function and the body’s need to conserve energy for healing. Fiber generally helps promote healthy bowel movements, but damaged microbiota affected by processed foods and environmental toxins lead to negative effects from fiber, such as bloating and gas.
This happens because an unbalanced gut fiber intake causes endotoxins to be produced instead of beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. Butyrate, a healthy fiber fermentation product, is key to colon health, fueling colon cells and maintaining intestinal barrier integrity.
Delayed-release butyrate supplements, designed to deliver butyrate directly to the colon, may circumvent the need for a high fiber intake in people with impaired bowel function or those recovering from surgery, such as hernia repair, that temporarily slows down the digestive system.
In the meantime, try taking just enough magnesium to cause slightly loose stools. I prefer magnesium glycinate and magnesium malate because they are well absorbed and benefit the digestive system.
Become your own health care advocate
The healthcare system is a jungle, but it can be hacked. Pinnar does not take insurance and instead focuses on quality control. I paid out of pocket and have no regrets. It’s a solid investment for my health. Here’s how to fix it:
• Insurance Check — If you have insurance, check to see what is included, including surgery, hospitals, medications, and providers.
• Cost Clarity — Get clear pricing. Hospitals cover mesh, but special types may not be standard.
• Take responsibility — Question everything. Why this approach and why mesh? If it doesn’t add up, get a second opinion.
To learn more about Pinnar’s practice or to consult with him, you can find him online at Advanced Hernia Specialists. He is a great resource if you are looking for options for hernia surgery.
Remember, a hernia is not something you do casually. Waiting is a gamble you don’t want to take. I learned it the hard way. Act quickly, find an experienced surgeon on your side, consider your options, and prepare before surgery. You have the power. Ask questions, get post-surgery help, and take time to heal. You will become stronger.
FAQ — Answers to your hernia questions
cue: What are the advantages of hernia surgery?
no way: This will patch weak points, prevent bulges from growing, and reduce the risk of serious problems developing. Early intervention also simplifies the procedure and reduces complications.
cue: Are there any disadvantages to hernia surgery?
no way: You may experience some pain, swelling, or bruising near the incision site. Long-term problems are rare for experienced surgeons. However, even with minimally invasive procedures, recovery times vary significantly.
cue: Is hernia surgery safe?
no way: For pros, the procedure is routine and low risk. Infections do occur but are uncommon. Choosing a surgeon with significant experience in hernia repair will significantly lower this risk.
cue: What is mesh?
no way: Strengthens repairs like a sturdy patch. Options range from plastics to biologicals. Your personal preference for mesh material should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor.
cue: How do you choose the right surgeon?
no way: Chat with a hernia specialist like Pinnar. Ask about their track record, surgical style, and mesh preference. Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Make sure your surgeon is willing to advocate for the treatment options and materials you want.
