Do we need to do ab exercises?

I saw my doc last week about this melon above my belly button, thinking I had a hernia but no pain and wondering about doing ab exercises - could they cause the hernia to get pinched and thus need surgery before I am ready (7/10/02 down 93 pounds, 70 more to go). He claims it's not a hernia, its just me (isn't that special) but there was no point to doing ab exercises. Now, I realize that no amount of crunches will give me a flat stomach but I thought strong abs helped our general welfare, hold us upright and just get through the day better. I trust this man to cut on me but I don't go to him as a fitness guru. Are there any fitness experts that can weigh in on this? Thanks

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