For how long do I wear the band after hernia surgery?

Q: I am a 54 years old female. I had surgery a week ago for an incarcerated hernia repair. How long should I wait before I resume sexual intercourse? Should the Band be worn 24 hours a day?

A:

1. Resume sexual intercourse three weeks after surgery. Just avoid vigorous intercourse till six weeks have passed after surgery.
2. Did you have a ventral hernia/incisional hernia? In that case, I usually ask my patients to wear a belt for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. They need to wear the belt 24 hours a day for the first two weeks, then only in the daytime, not while lying down.