Good Luck to you on the surgery! I had an inguinal hernia repair about 10 years ago. It was a big one and I didn't want it repaired orthoscopically after some of the things I read at that time and talking to a coworker whose repair had failed. Anyhow, it wasn't fun for sure and took about a year to get to the point I could do situps without a stinging in that area. I had worn a support belt for several years and the tear just got bigger. So, I don't recommend putting it off.