This topic is about a person who is preparing for a robotic surgery to repair multiple midline incisional hernias, and possibly a small parastomal hernia. They have concerns about the use of mesh, potential pain, infection, and how the surgery might affect their ostomy pouching afterward. Here are some key points and advice shared by others:

- The surgical plan involves starting with a robotic approach, with the possibility of switching to an open laparotomy if needed. The surgeon prefers using synthetic mesh for its durability, although there is a small risk of infection or mesh migration. After four weeks, the patient may resume lifting weights without restrictions.

- The patient is worried about the pain, which they imagine will feel like doing 1,000 sit-ups, the long car ride home, potential infections, bowel injury, mesh movement, and future challenges with ostomy pouch placement if the incision is near the stoma.

- To cope with the stress of waiting for surgery, the patient is focusing on enjoying the holidays, thinking positively, and practicing gratitude daily as suggested by their therapist.

- The surgeon is familiar with the patient's abdominal anatomy, having performed several surgeries on them before. The incisional hernias contain a loop of intestine, and the surgeon wants to avoid a future emergency by repairing them now.

- The parastomal hernia repair will only be attempted if it can be accessed from the left-side robotic ports. The patient's current pouching is manageable, though they experience occasional pain.

- The patient is seeking information on infection warning signs and adhesion risks and plans to do personal research. They have also recently lost weight and are enjoying wearing smaller-sized clothes.

Advice and insights from others include:

1. Robotic vs. open surgery experience: Some members shared that robotic surgery generally results in less pain and a quicker recovery, although conversion to open surgery is still possible.

2. Mindset and coping with worry: Positive thinking is encouraged, treating the surgery as a gift, and using tasks or distractions to manage worry. Practicing gratitude can help build a calmer mindset.

3. Surgical risk perspective: Elective repair is safer than waiting for an emergency. Pain is temporary and can be managed with medication.

4. Mesh education: It's important to understand the different types of synthetic mesh and their properties. Discuss with the surgeon which mesh will be used and how they plan to minimize risks like infection and adhesions.

5. Mesh placement concerns: Intraperitoneal placement can lead to bowel adhesions. Discuss alternative placement options with the surgeon.

6. Post-op lifting/exercise: Be cautious about lifting heavy weights too soon after surgery to avoid recurrence. A gradual return to exercise is advised.

7. Seek information, not anxiety: Being informed about the surgery and the surgeon's outcomes can help reduce fear.

8. Conflicting view: One person advised against surgery, calling the doctor "knife-happy," but did not provide evidence to support this claim.

9. Encouragement: Members remind the patient of their past resilience and offer ongoing support.