Question:
Will strengthening my stomach help reduce my chances of developing a hernia?

My sister has developed a hernia since her surgery. I want to know if strengthening my abdominals will help reduce my chances of developing a hernia. Will it make it more difficult for them to operate? Will it make no difference either way?    — Kristie B. (posted on July 4, 1999)

July 3, 1999
Definitely strengthen your stomach muscles as much as possible preop. It makes tolerating the surgery much easier. Toned muscles bounce back from surgery faster than lax muscles. I don't believe it will make the surgery more difficult. The incisional hernia however, is most often caused by lifting something too heavy, too soon, including your own body weight if you use poor body mechanics going from laying to standing positions. So, even with toned abdominal muscles, you still can get a hernia, but the chances are lower than one with lax muscles.
   — Deborah L.

July 4, 1999
It will make no difference either way. I have had 3 different surgeries, vbg, rny, double tummy tuck and the only way to avoid hernia is to do as little as possible post-op to give yourself time to heal. And after 5-6 weeks resume normal life with the exception of lifting. No lifting for 3 months.
   — Christine N.