How long after hernia surgery can I lift, drive and go back to work?

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The first days

Expect soreness and some swelling or bruising around the incisions or in the groin. Walking several times a day helps you recover and lowers the risk of blood clots. Keep stools soft so you do not strain.

Common milestones

• Driving: when you are off narcotic pain medicine and can brake hard and turn comfortably
• Desk work: often within about a week or two
• Physical jobs and heavy lifting: longer; Dr. Tufts will give you a lifting limit and a timeline
• Golf, gym and sports: ease back in once cleared at your follow-up
• Showering: usually allowed soon after surgery; no soaking in tubs or pools until incisions heal

Does the approach matter?

Laparoscopic and robotic repairs use a few small incisions, and many patients find recovery comfortable. Open repairs use one small incision in the groin. Each approach has its place. Larger or recurrent hernias may need a longer recovery. Recurrent inguinal and ventral hernias are primarily repaired with the Da Vinci robotic system.

Is hernia surgery major surgery?

Most planned hernia repairs are outpatient operations. General risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, ongoing groin discomfort and the hernia coming back. Dr. Tufts will go over the risks that apply to you.

When to see a surgeon

If a hernia is limiting your work or activity, plan your repair around your schedule at a consultation.

Get urgent care: After surgery, call for fever, spreading redness, increasing swelling or pain, or trouble urinating.

Learn more: Hernia surgery in Port Charlotte

Talk with Dr. Tufts

Dr. Tufts is a minimally invasive and endoscopic general surgeon. To have your symptoms evaluated or talk through your options, call (941) 391-5102 to schedule a visit at Charlotte Harbor Surgical, 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980. We see patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood, Cape Coral and North Fort Myers and across Southwest Florida.

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Matthew Tufts, MD, FACS, a board-certified minimally invasive and endoscopic general surgeon in Port Charlotte, FL. Last reviewed 2026-11-11.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Every patient is different. Dr. Tufts will review your history, exam and test results with you and explain the options, benefits and risks that apply to you.