i had gall bladder surgery 6 years ago. it was a lap scope with two entrance wounds. they still are sore and the post surgery was a lot more painful than this one. im about half swollen but i have to honestly say it hasnt been bad at all. i think the modern surgeons have this hernia surgery down pat. i didnt have the lap scope hernia surgery, i had a open wound one. for me i think it was better as my hernia was pretty big. i have a carpenter how is older like me do work on my house now and then he had it done several months ago and went back to work in one week. his dr. didnt like that but he didnt lift heavy for 6 wks as he was the boss. before i went in for surgery he told me, it nothing and you will be glad you done it. he was right. i dont like pain but this was pretty close to pain less. my hernia bothered me more than the surgery did. i hope my posting encourages other to fis what is wrong, knees, hips, hernias or what ever it is. the only negative thing i can say was the finance dept of the hosp. they were very very cold and need a mouth adjustment. we have good insurance but they said in no uncertain terms, no money down no surgery and they were not nice about it. trhe hospital staff was really the best but not the finance dept. i dont know how those people seep at nigh. if i want a clean slate between me and GOD i could not work in a dept like that. they have no soul.