I Have Developed An Umbilical Hernia During The Initial Stages

I have developed an umbilical hernia during the initial stages of ascites (within 1st 3-6 months-caused by injuries sustained in fall, 24 bones, 5 vertebra, etc. along with malnourishment due to being bed ridden for 9 months, taking 24 ea. X-Strength Tylenol per day as recommended by initial doctor seen for injuries and pain and final resorting to beer as a way to fall asleep, combined summarily causing cirrhosis of the liver) which continued for 3 years total. I received paracenthesis during this period, once per week with a drainage of +/- 8 L ea., and now after being ascites free for the past 12 months (last draining Dec, 2014) I am still left with the hernia and the stretched abdominal muscles. I have made the election not to go through the surgical repair until I am able to strengthen the abdominal muscle wall (not to a six pack by any means) just to their original state. I have am 6-1, worked construction all my life, have always been active, in excellent condition and have weighed +/- 160 lbs. since I was 30. Physicians consulted locally, family, gastro and surgical have not been able to recommend any exercise program except abstaining from abdominal exercises until after surgery which seems contrary to the surgical advice given prior to my inguinal hernia. Muscle condition influences the effects of the surgery, the post surgery maintenance (new materials binding to abdominal muscle walls with compatible success for long term sustainability) of the repair and for the recovery time after surgery. I need to get back to work after four years without and also would like to get on to a life without wearing one binder 24 hours a day and two during daily movement and having to wear pregnancy jeans to allow for the extra dimension required. and s a note, I am a guy! Your comments?