What Do I Buy for Hernia Surgery?

Over a million people in the US have hernia surgery each year. Finding the right surgeon can be tough enough, but what about after the procedure? What can you do to make your recovery go as smoothly as possible? What should you buy to prepare?!

Below, expert hernia surgeons from the Columbia Hernia Center break down some of the common things--and some of the less common things--you may need for your hernia surgery recovery.

The key take-away is to make sure that you’re coming back to a comfortable and supportive environment to aid in your recovery. Here’s a list of items you might consider getting or making available to yourself, which are easily available from Amazon, Walmart, CVS, and other popular outlets:

Comfortable Clothing

Loose-fitting and comfortable clothing will really help with recovery, as it reduces rubbing and irritation of your incisions and dressings. Think of your favorite, baggy sweatpants and sweatshirt. If you don’t have a favorite one of either, get them!

Bed Accessories

You may notice it’s tough to lay on one of your sides or your back. You may have some trouble laying down flat at all. Make sure to surround yourself with extra pillows for support and to elevate your upper body if needed.

Medications

Besides medications prescribed by your surgeon, make sure to have both Tylenol and Ibuprofen on standby if you are allowed to take either of those. Most ambulatory surgeries only need over-the-counter medicine, but larger surgery may need prescription pain medications in addition to these.

Medical Supplies

Your medical team should provide you with everything you need for any wounds you may have, however we encourage patients to stock up on the following: Sterile gauze pads, alcohol swabs, wound wrapping, surgical tape, and antibacterial ointment. Even if you don’t use them for your recovery, you’ll have the start of a very good first aid kit!

Amazon Link: Gauze Sponges

Hernia Binders

In larger abdominal wall surgeries, you may be sent home with a hernia binder, but we encourage you to have an extra one just in case yours breaks.

Amazon Link: NYOrtho Hernia Binder

Assistive Devices

One of the simplest but least utilized devices is a raised toilet seat. The last thing you want to do after surgery is squat down with a sore belly. A raised seat may help minimize bending.

Amazon Link: Toilet Seat Riser

And you might think it’s silly, but a longer armed grabber can be very useful for grabbing things that are high up, or are too far from you if you are reclined. It’s not lazy, it’s resourceful!

Amazon Link: Reacher Grabber Tool

Ice and Heating Packs

Ice packs can work wonders for the first several days after surgery to reduce swelling and pain at the incision sites. After a couple days you may notice abdominal soreness or spasms. This is the time when heating pads can work wonders.

Amazon Link: Hot/Cold Gel Pack

Entertainment

You might be in a little bit of a stupor after surgery. Make sure to have your remote controls close, and your movies downloaded or saved. While we encourage mobility after surgery, we also encourage you to enjoy your time while you are reclined.

Food and Drink

Stock up on groceries that are easy to prepare, such as frozen meals, canned soups, and pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Also keep a bottle of water nearby at all times to stay hydrated. Low or zero calorie drinks are also fine, but try to avoid carbonated or overly sweet drinks.

Paperwork

Make sure to have a copy of your surgery handouts and any other information you got from the doctor’s office readily available. Also have both your emergency contact and your surgeon’s office number nearby if you have questions.

Other Supplies

While there are endless things you may need to recover, make sure to try to get them ready ahead of time. You don’t want to be running around looking for your surgery handout when you have healing to do.

Now get out there and prepare your living space to give you the best recovery possible!
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If you suspect you may have a hernia, our Hernia Experts can help. To set up a consultation or to learn more, please call us at (212) 305-5947 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to answering your questions and meeting your hernia care needs.